A report
into the murder of journalists in the Philippines has blamed a culture
of violence – encouraged by government inaction – as the main reason
for a death toll of 66 since 1986.
The report by the
International Federation of Journalists warns that with three
journalists already killed in 2005, this year is shaping up to be worse
than 2004.
The report, A Dangerous Profession: Press freedom
under fire in the Philippines, arose from an international fact-finding
mission by senior journalists.
It reveals there has only been one successful prosecution arising from the 66 murder investigations.
IFJ
president Christopher Warren said: “This report puts the government of
the Philippines on notice: the world is watching. President Arroyo must
halt the bloodshed.”
Visit www.ifj-asia.org to see the report.
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