Seán Haughey (Dublin Bay North, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I think it is entirely appropriate that every so often, as parliamentarians in a democracy, we set aside time to consider the role of journalists in wars and conflicts across the world, and to remember those journalists, reporters, cameramen and all those involved in the media who have been killed in circumstances related to their work. As we know, the first casualty of war is the truth. We rely on the bravery of journalists, often risking their lives, to tell us the truth about what is actually happening on the ground. It is reported that this year alone, some 27 journalists have been killed. Some have died in war zones. Others have been killed, kidnapped, tortured or imprisoned because they have reported on the activities of the ruling authoritarian regimes, while others have been caught up in the warring factions in failed states. Like others, today I would like to remember some of the journalists who have paid the ultimate price.

Shireen Abu Akleh was a Palestinian journalist who was shot in the head by Israeli forces in the West Bank. Aged 51, she regularly exposed herself to danger in order to report on the issues of concern to Palestinians. When she was shot, it was clear that she was a journalist, in that she had the word "PRESS" displayed on her jacket and helmet. The circumstances of her death need to be independently investigated. I fully support the calls by the EU and the UN Security Council for this to be done. There are indications that Israel is targeting Palestinian journalists working in the occupied Palestinian territories. This cannot be tolerated by the international community. The incidents which took place at the funeral of Shireen Abu Akleh, where Israeli police baton-charged the mourners carrying her coffin, were shocking and deeply offensive to decent people everywhere.

We also remember Pierre Zakrzewski, the French-Irish citizen, who worked as a cameraman for Fox News and died with his colleague when his car was hit by Russian shelling outside Kyiv on 14 March last. We salute his bravery and that of the other journalists killed in Ukraine and thank them and their families and friends for the service they have given to democracy.

I also draw attention to the plight of political prisoners jailed by the Lukashenko regime in Belarus, some of whom have died in captivity due to their ill-treatment. I also refer to the violation by the Moroccan authorities of the rights of pro-independence Sahrawi activists, including journalists, in Western Sahara.

We can never be complacent about the survival of democracy and the threat posed by autocratic regimes. Media pluralism and freedom of the press are so important for our democracy in the context of the rule of law. They need to be safeguarded and protected.

It is entirely appropriate that we have this debate here as we need to remember these brave journalists. We have only had the opportunity to mention a few but they are representative of the profession in general. We cannot be complacent about our democracy. Journalists play a crucial role in that. Even within the European Union, the rule of law must be upheld. I have no doubt that member states will ensure that is done in the weeks, months and years ahead.

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