Pandemic claimed 1,208 journalists’ lives: Press body

GENEVA

The COVID-19 pandemic has claimed the lives of more than 1,208 journalists, the Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) said Friday ahead of World Press Freedom Day on May 3.

"Journalists engage in a profession which is particularly exposed to the virus, as many are forced to continue working in contact with the population," said the PEC in a statement.

Brazil, with more than 183 journalists killed by COVID-19, is the hardest hit, followed by Peru (140), India (121), and Mexico (106).

"The situation is particularly alarming in India: in the past two weeks, at least 50 journalists have succumbed to the virus, on average 3.5 every day.

"The deaths of dozens of Indian journalists is particularly heartbreaking," said PEC Secretary-General Blaise Lempen, who said the records cover 14 months from March 2020 till April 29.

"This is an unprecedented slaughter and a great loss for the profession," said Lempen. "On the occasion of World Press Freedom Day, we call for honoring eminent colleagues of all ages who have succumbed to the pandemic."

The PEC asks governments to help the media most affected and support the families of the victims on the occasion of World Press Freedom Day.

Geneva-based PEC said it considers there is a need to distribute vaccines equally worldwide to stop the spread of the virus and its new strains in developing countries.

"Vaccine production is limited, and it is available for the wealthiest countries, preventing access to journalists in South America and South Asia," said Lempen.

"As long as this situation continues, deaths will keep on increasing."

By region, Latin America tops the list with more than half of the victims, 673 in 20 countries. Asia follows with 254 in 18 countries, then Europe with 175 in 19 countries. Africa comes next with 56 dead in 16 countries, North America with 47 in 2 countries.

"The total number of victims is certainly higher because the cause of death of journalists is sometimes not specified, or their deaths are not announced," said Lempen.