Jamal Khashoggi: why stating the truth is getting a lot of journalists killed
As the wrangling around the death of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi continues, it is worth stepping back for a longer view of why this state murder of a journalist is important, writes senior lecturer Chris Paterson in this crossposting from The Conversation.
It took a while for obituaries to start appearing for murdered Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi – and there is still some uncertainty over the manner of his death. Turkish authorities are so far declining to release either sound or video of the assassination – both of which they are alleged to possess.
But as the wrangling continues, it is worth stepping back for a longer view of why this state murder of a journalist is important. More than 230 media workers have been killed around the world over the past three years and, according to press freedom organisations, in many cases there was clear state involvement.
Interestingly, given its strident calls for justice in Khashoggi’s case, one of the worst regimes in terms of freedom of the press at the moment is Turkey – which Reporters without Borders labels the “world’s biggest prison for professional journalists”.
Journalism ranks with whistle-blowers in importance to the civilised functioning of societies. Integration of the protection and reward systems would help journalism and make it more rewarding and democratic, and less controlled by a few large and often partisan media organisations who “lay off” their pet friends (whether ABC/Fairfax or News).