At least 106 journalists were killed in 2011, among them 12 in Mexico and 11 in Pakistan, making them the most dangerous countries to work in, a campaign group said on Monday.
Twenty journalists who reported on the Arab spring uprisings were killed this year and more than 100 others were attacked, intimidated, arrested and wounded in countries including Egypt, Libya, Syria, Tunisia and Yemen, the Geneva-based Press Emblem Campaign said.
“The casualties could be higher if figures were known for journalists who were victims of enforced disappearances,” the group said in a statement.
Pakistan came second with 11 journalists killed, the majority of whom died on the border with Afghanistan, followed by Iraq, Libya and the Philippines.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 20th, 2011.
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You see this in failed states
I do think Pakistani Press is very vibrant (at least the English press) and informative but that doesn't mean these daring journalists are not targeted by ISI and their proteges. After Salim Shazad, ISI took care of few more reporters in Balochistan. Press can get away criticizing the government or President (as they hold minimum power) but they won't get too far if they criticize the ISI or it's masters.
@Hu Jintao: Last time i hear there was a war going in that area and the region is quite unstable.
The war's on the Afghan side. The Pakistan Army has said that this is not their war and the Pak side of the border is peaceful. Your theory doesn't add up because Afghanistan is not on the list.
It is in Pakistan that journalists are dying when they try to report the truth about the safe havens being provided to Taliban and the Haqqanis.
@Hu Jintao: tell that to mr. saleem shehzad.
Even though Pakistan has been declared as the most dangerous country for its journalists but reading news dailies on the internet I find its press quite vibrant and free.
I am a journalist. and I feel safe.
This report is flawed in so many ways, its unbelievable. Try criticizing King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia or Kremlin of Russia or Iran's revolutionary guard like people here abuse and taunt Zardari and you would meet your creator faster you could say the word "khappay"
Last time i hear there was a war going in that area and the region is quite unstable. Terming entire country dangerous sounds silly and ridiculous.
Pakistan is gotta be most free press country in the world where you can getaway easily if you have wrote most malicious content about the country compromising peace and national security. try 1% in any GCC nation Arabia and above numbers will dwarf