OTTAWA, Nov. 10 /CNW/ - The Canadian Association of Journalists is
relieved to learn that CBC reporter Mellissa Fung, abducted in Afghanistan a
month ago, is now free and unharmed.
"We are thrilled by the news that our friend and colleague, Mellissa, is
now safe," said CAJ president Mary Agnes Welch. "The Canadian public relies on
foreign correspondents to tell them what is happening in Afghanistan and
elsewhere, and Mellissa's ordeal is a stark reminder of how perilous reporting
the news can be."
The CAJ remains concerned about the fate of Canadian journalist Amanda
Lindhout who was abducted in Somalia on Aug. 23. Lindhout's kidnappers
threatened to kill her unless a ransom was paid by Oct. 28. That deadline has
passed with no word from Lindhout or her captors.
"We urge Prime Minister Harper to give the abduction of Amanda Lindhout
his full attention and use all resources of the government to find and rescue
her," Welch said.
Cases like these highlight the importance of specialized training for
journalists covering conflict zones, and ensuring that those reporting on
domestic and foreign beats are properly prepared for the demands they will
face on the job.
"A number of questions about Mellissa's abduction remain to be answered.
While we understand the need to respect individual safety, we urge the CBC to
be more transparent," Welch said. "We recognize that the CBC provides high
quality conflict-zone training and encourage all other news organizations to
make similar investments for all workers they send into risky situations,
whether they are overseas or right here at home."
The CAJ's upcoming conference and annual general meeting in Vancouver,
May 22-24, 2009, will include sessions on covering conflict zones and
traumatic stress.
Mellissa Fung was abducted on Oct. 12 while on assignment.
ABOUT THE CAJ
The Canadian Association of Journalists is Canada's largest professional
organization for journalists from all media, with about 1,400 members across
the country. The CAJ's primary roles are to provide high-quality professional
development for its members and public-interest advocacy.
For further information: Mary Agnes Welch, CAJ president, cell (204)
470-8862; John Dickins, CAJ executive director, canadianjour@magma.ca, cell
(613) 868-5442
