International media body urges Iraqi government to probe journalists' murders in Mosul

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) Monday called on the Iraqi government to conduct a detailed and independent investigation into murders of journalists in the northern city of Mosul. The call follows the murder of three Iraqi journalists in the city in the last month, said the IFJ in a statement. Cameraman Bashar Al-Nuaimi, who was working for the Al-Mosuliya TV Channel, was shot dead near his home in the Nabi Sheet area of Mosul last Thursday, 24 October. Reporter Mohammad Karim and cameraman Mohammad Ghanem, who were working for the independent Al-Sharqiya channel, were also shot dead as they were filming on Saturday 5 October. A further assassination attempt was made on Al Masar TV correspondent Falah Hassan yesterday, Sunday 27 October. "We are deeply concerned about the recent escalation of violence against journalists in Mosul and we express deep sadness to the families and colleagues of the journalists who have lost their lives there in recent weeks, " said IFJ President Jim Boumelha. "It is clear that there is a serious threat facing journalists in the city, " he added. On her part, IFJ General Secretary Beth Costa said "we are increasingly concerned about the escalation of violence against journalists in Iraq in recent months and we urge journalists not to take risks in dangerous zones." The Brussels-based IFJ represents more than 600 000 journalists in 134 countries