International Day to End Impunity For Crimes Against Journalists 2022
Fighting impunity and seeking justice for journalists who investigate and report on corruption, malpractice, legislative negligence, and human rights violations must never cease. Journalists and the right to free media must be protected at all costs, for there can be no prosperous democracy without a robust and independent press. Freedom of expression in the media in any medium, including writing, images and actions, such as protests and demonstrations, is imperative to public accountability and transparency in the government. Above all, it is a fundamental human right. It is focal in establishing most other rights and allows them to blossom, as well as plays a crucial role in the healthy growth process of a society. In the development of a nation, it is vital in aiding the communication channels between the public and government.
Yet, perpetrators of crimes against journalists and freedom of media continue to operate with impunity. Investigative journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia was assassinated by a powerful car bomb outside her Bidnjia home in October 2017. Since then, seven men have been arrested or implicated for their involvement in the cold-blooded murder of the prominent journalist. Five of them have entered some sort of plea bargain, and a public inquiry report has held the state responsible. Justice is yet awaited.
On this International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists, CFWIJ extends heartfelt support to women and LGBTQ+ journalists who face mistreatment and abuse due to their gender and their work. As we call for an end to impunity against journalists, we must be cognizant that violent attacks on journalists that go unpunished help create a climate which encourages further violence. As we demand safety for all journalists, CFWIJ highlights the countless violations against women journalists, in particular.
