THE murder of the journalist Veronica Guerin in Dublin was shocking, but it was not an isolated incident, according to the International Federation of Journalists.
The general secretary of the IFJ, Mr Aidan White, said at least 50 journalists and other media workers died doing their job this year, mostly in wars and covering organised crime. Journalists were routinely beaten up and harassed for "confronting censorship, corruption and media manipulation".
"Publishers' like the glamour and circulation building strength of investigative journalism, but are not always willing to assume the responsibility for safety of their journalists," he said.
The IFJ is calling for an international code of practice among media professionals to ensure that life insurance, medical assistance, risk awareness training and social protection are provided.