Symposium: Ending Impunity for Crimes against Journalists
10 December 2022- Free Press Unlimited, together with the Center for Excellence in Journalism organised a symposium on impunity in cases of journalist murders in Pakistan. In partnership with Reporters Without Borders and the Committee to Protect Journalists, the symposium brought together prominent lawyers, journalists, public officials, and scholars, and addressed the question of how the wheels of justice could be set in motion in cases of journalist murders.
Summary
The symposium addressed the question: What are the main obstacles to justice in cases of journalist murders, and what are the avenues to justice?
The recent murder of Pakistani journalist Arshad Sharif shocked the journalist community in Pakistan and around the globe. Unanswered questions around Sharif’s murder once again underscore the necessity of an effective and impartial investigation.
In Pakistan, only 4% of journalist murders result in justice. 60 out of 63 cases of journalist murders (not including media workers) have resulted in complete impunity. An investigation by A Safer World for the Truth found multiple flaws in the investigation into the murder of Mirpurkhas-based journalist Zubair Mujahid.
Participants
Speakers included prominent voices in the media like Hamid Mir, politicians, and voices in the judiciary. Among them: Hamid Mir, Faisal Saddiqi, Salahuddin Ahmed, Shazia Hassan.
Press mentions
HRNWW - Urdu: https://hrnww.com/urdu/?p=176862
Diplomacy Pakistan - English: https://www.diplomacypakistan.com/?p=3568
My News - Urdu: https://www.mynews.com.pk/?p=7925
International The News - English: https://www.thenews.com.pk/amp/1018878-media-professionals-demand-state-provide-justice-in-murder-cases-of-journalists
Dawn - English: https://www.dawn.com/news/1725990/symposium-on-safety-and-protection-of-journalists-held-in-karachi
Daily Express - Urdu: https://www.express.com.pk/epaper/PoPupwindow.aspx?newsID=1109778795&Issue=NP_KHI&Date=20221211
Aaj News - Urdu: live on TV (expired)
Daily Waka SindhiPictures (expired)
Daily Nijat Sukkur Sindhi Picture (expired)
Express News - Urdu: TV footage forwarded via WhatsApp; download from this link (please download as link will expire in 7 days): https://we.tl/t-LtVMtf8hae
The News e-paper - English: https://e.thenews.com.pk/karachi/11-12-2022/page13
Aaj English - English: https://www.aajenglish.tv/news/30306549
Investigation
For more about Free Press Unlimited's investigation into the murder of Zubair Mujahid, click here