About Shireen Abu Akleh Day

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Shireen Abu Akleh Day honors the men and women of the media who have lost their lives in the line of duty and falls on the anniversary of the assassination of American and Jordanian Journalist Shireen Abu Akleh on May 11, 2022

THE DANGERS OF MEDIA WORK

According to Reporters without Borders, an average of 80 journalists and media workers die doing their job each year, with 60% targeted for assassination for doing their job. The remaining 40% die due to unintentional causes, such as mortar shells and dangerous surroundings. Due to the drug cartels, Mexico continues to be the most dangerous country for media workers.

Journalists face various risks and threats while carrying out their work, which is crucial in providing information and holding power to account. Their pursuit of truth and reporting can make them targets for violence, censorship, and intimidation. Here are some of the dangers journalists often face:

Physical Violence: Journalists frequently face physical violence, including assault, kidnapping, and murder. They often find themselves caught in the crossfire of conflicts, covering war zones, political uprisings, or organized crime activities. Journalists are sometimes deliberately targeted due to their investigative work, exposing corruption, human rights abuses, or organized crime networks.
Repression and Censorship: Many journalists face repression and censorship by governments or other powerful entities. Governments may enact laws or regulations to control the media, restrict freedom of expression, or silence dissenting voices. Journalists critical of the authorities often become targets of harassment, legal action, or imprisonment, leading to self-censorship and a chilling effect on investigative reporting.
Online Threats and Harassment: With the rise of digital media, journalists face increasing threats online. They are often harassed, cyberbullied, doxxed (releasing private information), or hacked. Trolling and online abuse can have severe psychological and emotional impacts on journalists, leading to self-censorship or leaving the profession.
Targeting of Journalists in Conflict Zones: Journalists reporting from conflict zones face significant risks. They operate in dangerous environments with active armed groups, insurgents, or military forces. They are vulnerable to being targeted for their reporting, as conflicting parties may perceive them as threats or propaganda agents.
Impunity and Lack of Justice: One of the significant challenges is the high level of impunity surrounding crimes against journalists. Perpetrators often go unpunished, which fosters an environment of fear and further endangers journalists. The lack of justice creates a cycle of violence and intimidation, deterring journalists from pursuing essential stories.
Nonviolent Pressures and Threats: Journalists may face nonviolent pressures such as defamation lawsuits, economic pressures, or threats to their reputations. Influential individuals or corporations may use their power to undermine journalists' credibility and discourage critical reporting.
Lack of Resources and Training: Journalists in many parts of the world work under challenging conditions with limited resources and inadequate training. Insufficient safety equipment, poor infrastructure, and lack of training on risk assessment and conflict reporting further increase their dangers.

The safety and protection of journalists are crucial for upholding press freedom and the right to information. International organizations, NGOs, and press freedom advocates continue to work towards improving safety protocols, advocating for legal protections, and raising awareness about the importance of protecting journalists worldwide.

ABOUT SHIREEN ABU AKLEH
Shireen Abu Akleh was born in Amman, Jordan, in 1965 and held American and Jordanian citizenship. Her reporting significantly influenced Middle Eastern politics and human rights, particularly regarding the Israeli occupation of Palestine.

As a journalist in the Middle East for 25 years, she covered various issues, including politics, human rights, and social issues. She worked for multiple media outlets, including Al Jazeera, where she was one of the first women to work as a field reporter.

In addition to her journalistic work, Abu Akleh has written several books, with "Hussein and Abdullah: Inside the Jordanian Royal Family," an inside look into the Jordanian royal family and the politics of Jordan, as her most widely read.

Abu Akleh spoke out against the Israeli occupation of Palestine and called for a peaceful resolution. She was murdered while covering a story in the Occupied West Bank for Al Jazeera on May 11, 2022, by an Israeli sniper who killed her with a bullet to the head.