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At least 55 journalists have died from Covid-19 in two months

01 May 2020 19:21 (UTC +04:00)

On the occasion of Press Freedom Day on 3 May, the Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) condemns the numerous press freedom violations that have occurred in several countries since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic. In addition, protection measures for the media have often been insufficient and at least 55 journalists in 23 countries have died from the coronavirus since 1 March, APA reports citing The Financial.

Censorship, Internet shutdowns, arbitrary detentions of journalists, physical and verbal attacks and emergency laws that restrict press freedom have occurred in recent weeks. "The fight against the coronavirus is being used as a pretext by some governments to suppress freedoms of expression, assembly and demonstration," said PEC secretary-general Blaise Lempen. "We condemn these excessive and unjustified violations and call on all States to respect the right of citizens to information and their right to health”, he added.