_________________________________________________________________
ALERT - PAKISTAN
18 June 2007
Journalist murdered in Sindh; another reportedly abducted by intelligence
agents in Baluchistan
SOURCE: International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), Brussels
**For further information on the Khan case, see IFEX alerts of 26, 25 and
13 September, 20 and 16 June, 13 April, 20 February, 24 January 2006 and
others**
(IFJ/IFEX) - The following is an IFJ media release:
Journalist murdered in Sindh, and another journalist kidnapped in
Baluchistan
Only days after the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) was
joined by journalists' organisations around the world in demanding the
Pakistan government take action to address the appalling press freedom and
journalist safety situation, the IFJ is shocked to learn of the murder of a
journalist and the kidnapping of another in Pakistan.
"The news keeps getting worse and worse. The Pakistan government can no
longer ignore the dire conditions journalists face, and we again urge
President Musharraf to take concrete steps to protect journalists and a
free media," IFJ Asia-Pacific Director Jacqueline Park said.
According to IFJ sources, Noor Ahmed Solangi, (30) a reporter for the
Sindh-language daily Khabroon, was gunned down on June 17, by two unknown
assailants in Pirjo Goth, in the interior of Sindh.
Although the motive for Solangi's murder is still unknown, there is
reportedly speculation that it could have been part of a feud between the
Junejo and Solangi tribes.
Local journalists in the interior of Sindh held demonstrations while
journalists covering the Sindh Assembly staged a walk-out in protest,
according to local reports.
On the same weekend, senior journalist Latif Khosa, staff reporter of
leading Urdu daily Jang, was allegedly kidnapped by intelligence agencies
near Jafferabad, Baluchistan, IFJ sources report.
According to local reports, Khosa's relatives have accused intelligence
agencies of kidnapping Khosa and expressed concern over his mysterious
disappearance.
The Baluchistan Union of Journalists (BUJ) and Quetta Press Club reportedly
held protests against Khosa's kidnapping today in front of the Press Club.
These latest attacks come as Pakistani journalists mourn the one-year
anniversary of the brutal death of Pakistani tribal journalist Hayatullah
Khan, who was murdered on June 16, 2006, more than six months after he
disappeared.
To mark the anniversary, journalists' organisations around the world
participated in a day of action on June 15 to protest the terrible press
freedom and journalist safety situation in Pakistan, and delivered letters
to their local Pakistan embassies demanding action from the government.
"It is deeply distressing that only days after 16 organisations in 12
countries joined the IFJ and its affiliate, the Pakistan Federal Union of
Journalists (PFUJ), in demanding the Pakistan government provide a safe and
free environment for media in Pakistan, we must mourn the murder of another
colleague and the disappearance of one more journalist in Pakistan," Park
said.
"This is another devastating, black day for Pakistan, and the IFJ stands in
solidarity with our Pakistani colleagues during these difficult times," she
said.
"We demand a full investigation into the murder of Solangi, and call on
authorities to act quickly to ensure the safe return of Khosa."
To participate in the campaign for press freedom in Pakistan, and to view
images of organisations that participated in the International Day of
Action, go to http://www.ifj-asia.org
The IFJ represents over 500,000 journalists in more than 115 countries.
For further information, contact IFJ Asia-Pacific, tel: +61 2 9333 0919; or
the IFJ, International Press Centre, Residence Palace, Block C, 155 Rue de
la Loi, B-1040 Brussels, Belgium, tel: +322 235 2200 / 2207, fax: +322 235
2219, e-mail: rachel.cohen@ifj.org, Internet: http://www.ifj.org/
The information contained in this alert is the sole responsibility of IFJ.
In citing this material for broadcast or publication, please credit IFJ.
_________________________________________________________________
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