Int'l Federation Of Journalists Slams Libyan Government For Failure To Protect Journalists

Faizan Hashmi Published January 11, 2019 | 01:42 AM

MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 11th January, 2019) The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) on Thursday expressed support to all Libyan journalists suffering from violent attacks and called on the UN-backed Government of National Accord (GNA) to inquire into cases of intimidation and bring those responsible to justice.

According to the IFJ's press release, more than 140 journalists from 20 media outlets submitted a joint letter to the GNA, in which they urged the government to stop attacks against media representatives in Yemen, adding that most of them were carried out by GNA-controlled agencies.

"The IFJ fully supports the journalists and their unity to defend themselves and their right to work in a safe and secure environment.

The GNA and all authorities in Libya are responsible for the lives and welfare of the journalists working in areas under their control, and it is unacceptable that they are letting these attacks go unpunished," IFJ General Secretary Anthony Bellanger said, as quoted by the press release.

In addition to violent attacks, the letter revealed cases of false prosecutions and fabricated espionage charges against journalists, as well as putting pressure by the government in order to influence media reporting.