LONDON: Pakistan was the third most dangerous country for journalists in 2013 following Syria and India as five journalists were killed in Pakistan in the first half of this year, according to a survey by the International News Safety Institute (INSI).
In recent years, Pakistan has consistently ranked among the most dangerous countries for journalists as they are caught between warring political parties, the security forces and militant or extremist networks.
The INSI report said four journalists were killed in secondary explosions, a devastating tactic which targets first responders, such as emergency service workers and journalists, who rush to the site of a bomb blast.
In war-torn Syria, eight journalists were killed between January and June, the report said. It said that Journalists have been attacked, detained, kidnapped and killed in crossfire and by both government and opposition forces. Last year, Syria was the deadliest country for the news media.
The second most dangerous country was India, where there were six casualties, the report said. The last time India was among the top five worst countries was in 2010.
According to the INSI report, last year was the deadliest on record for journalists in Somalia. They continue to be targeted in the on-going struggle between the new government and Islamic militants. Islamic militant group Al Shabaab has been blamed for many of the attacks on Somali journalists in the past twelve months.
Three journalists were killed in Brazil, making it the fifth most dangerous country for the news media.
Most dangerous countries for journalists and media works in 2013
SYRIA – 8
INDIA – 6
PAKISTAN – 5
SOMALIA – 4
BRAZIL – 3
