CPJ says Iraq ‘second’ most dangerous place for journalists

BAGHDAD / IraqiNews.com: Iraq came ranked in second place after Pakistan as the most dangerous place for journalists, according to a report from the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). The CPJ said 46 journalists were killed last year in countries around the world, either in targeted murders or while working on dangerous assignments. In its annual report, “Attacks on the Press in 2011,” the New York-based group said Pakistan was the most dangerous place for journalists to work, with seven reporters killed. Next in line were Libya and Iraq, each with five confirmed killings of journalists. The CPJ said 15 journalists lost their lives covering the Arab Spring pro-reform protests last year. The group also says at least 179 journalists were imprisoned last year — the highest number since the 1990s. Iran imprisons the largest number, with 42 in jail, CPJ said.With five journalists in prison, Uzbekistan was dubbed by CPJ as Central Asia‘s “worst jailer of the press.” SH (TI)/SR 1006