Symposium: Ending Impunity for Crimes against Journalists

Stories
Jos Bartman, Researcher Free Press Unlimited

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.

Jos Bartman
"Re-investigating the case of Zubair Mujahid should be a priority right now, and would keep the hope of justice alive." - Jos Bartman, Researcher, Free Press Unlimited and author of the investigation into the murder of Zubair Mujahid.
Fahd Husain
Fahd Husain, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister of Pakistan, stressed that media outlets are facing bleak times and that the families of murdered journalists like Zubair Mujahid, deserve justice.

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

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