DEADLIEST YEAR. 2006 called 'worst ever' for journalists and media workers.

By DOW JONES/AP
Published: January 1, 2007

BRUSSELS, Dec. 31 (Dow Jones/AP) — The year 2006 was the deadliest for journalists and news media workers worldwide, with at least 155 killings and unexplained deaths, the International Federation of Journalists said Sunday.

Martin Adler, a Swedish cameraman wearing a white shirt, collapsed after being shot at an Islamist rally in Mogadishu last June. He died at the scene.
The group, which represents half a million journalists in more than 100 countries, said in its annual report that Iraq continued to be the most dangerous place to work; 68 media staff members were killed there in 2006, bringing the total since the war began in March 2003 to 170.

The federation also pointed to continuing attacks on journalists in Latin America, where 37 media staff members were killed. Mexico, Colombia and Venezuela stood out.

Thirteen journalists died in the Philippines, pushing the total of such deaths in Asia up to 34, the federation said.

“2006 was the worst year on record, a year of targeting, brutality and continued impunity in the killing of journalists,” said the federation’s general secretary, Aidan White.

The federation counts among the deaths all people who were employed by media organizations and who died performing their duties, whether reporters, photographers, interpreters or drivers. >>>cont

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