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Freelance TV journalist killed in Iraq siege

By Press Gazette

A freelance journalist working in Iraq for Reuters, CNN and Al-Arabiya has been killed in a gun attack while reporting from a local council meeting.

Sabah al-Bazee, who was 30, was among 50 people who died when gunmen stormed a local government building in Tikrit yesterday. Dozens more were injured.

Reuters’ new editor-in-chief Stephen Adler said in a statement: “On behalf of the entire team at Thomson Reuters, I wish to convey our sadness at the untimely death of Sabah al-Bazee.

“He was a valued member of our team in Iraq and will be much missed by colleagues. This tragic incident shows yet again the risks journalists face daily in doing their jobs and to bring news to the world.

“Our thoughts are with Sabah’s family and friends.”

Mohamed Abdel Dayem, the Middle East co-ordinator at the Committee to Protect Journalists, said: “We urge Iraqi authorities to do their utmost to bring the perpetrators of this crime to justice.”

According to the CPJ, more than 200 journalists and media workers have been killed in Iraq since 1992.

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