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Brussels - The wounding of prominent US journalist Bob Woodruff and his cameraman Doug Vogt on Sunday underscored the great dangers confronted daily by journalists trying to keep the world informed about Iraq. Both Woodruff, ABC "World News Tonight" anchor, and Vogt were in serious condition after being hit by a bomb while travelling in a convoy with the Iraqi army. They were in a mechanised vehicle when the improvised explosive device went off. A total of 101 journalists and support staff from 16 countries have died in Iraq since the war began in March 2003, making it the bloodiest conflict in history for the news media. Dozens more have been wounded, beaten, kidnapped, tortured and detained without trial as they struggled to keep the avenues of information open for the country and for the rest of the world. More than two-thirds of the dead, as well as the vast majority of those abused by both sides, were Iraqis, trying to exercise their newfound "press freedom" for the first time. More than half were murdered by insurgent bombers and gunmen. "These brave journalists and their news teams daily risk all so that we can know the truth about Iraq," said INSI Director Rodney Pinder. "Unfortunately, it is in the interests of far too many in this conflict that free reporting is silenced. "We pray that Woodruff and Vogt recover from their wounds. Our thoughts are with them and their families." Any questions about this news release contact Rodney Pinder rodney.pinder@newssafety.com or tel: +44 7734 709267 |