A
special Freedom Walk to commemorate the 408 journalists across the
world who have died in the service of their profession in the last three
years was held in Dublin this evening.
Around 300 journalists
from around the world involved in the International Federation of
Journalists' (IFJ) World Congress took part in the moving Stand Up For
Journalism Freedom Walk, from Dubh Linn Garden to Dublin City Hall.
Delegates carried 408 carnations, one for each journalist who has lost their life over the last three years.
Commenting
on the commemoration event, IFJ General Secretary, Beth Costa, said:
"This Freedom Walk demonstrates our solidarity with those who have died
because they were journalists.
"In saluting the men and women who
have died because of their profession we also show our commitment to
the profession of journalism and send a clear signal that the IFJ is
vigilant in defence of journalists and journalism."
The event,
which also demonstrated the IFJ's commitment to media diversity and
freedom, began with a symbolic wreath laying at the Veronica Guerin
monument, in Dubh Linn Garden at Dublin Castle.
Veronica Guerin was an Irish crime reporter who was murdered on
26 June 1996 by drug lords because of the stories she wrote for Irish
newspaper the Irish Independent exposing their criminal activity.
This
was then followed by the Freedom Walk involving all 300 delegates
through the streets of Dublin, from Dubh Linn Garden to Dublin City
Hall.
Seamus Dooley, General Secretary, NUJ Ireland, said: "This
Freedom walk not only commemorates those men and women who have died in
service of their profession, but also underlines our commitment to
diversity and pluralism in journalism across the world."
To download a copy of the list of colleagues who have died in the service of their profession click HERE.
For more information, please contact IFJ on + 32 2 235 22 17
The IFJ represents more than
600.000 journalists in 134 countries