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NINA Journalists killed in Iraq

Three journalist of the National Iraqi News Agency (NINA) were killed in early June in Iraq. Roland Rich, Executive Head, United Nations Democracy Fund (UNDEF), has sent the following message of condolences to NINA:

"Dear colleagues at NINA,

I recently learned about the murder of three National Iraqi News Agency (NINA) journalists, of which two were appointed to work on an UNDEF funded project. UNDEF has been greatly saddened by these heartbreaking events. It is symptomatic for the dire situation in Iraq that we cannot mention the names or publish the photos of the three journalists for fear of further endangering their families.

Attacking journalists is an attack on a fundamental aspect of democracy. It is an attack on those like you and your colleagues at NINA, who are working to build a free and vibrant press as a key element in building a democratic state in Iraq. We are all aware of the commitment that drives you and your colleagues at NINA, and of the risks you are all taking. Those who ended the lives of your three colleagues know full well that a free press is not in their interests.

I would like to ask you to convey the condolences of the UN Democracy Fund's team and my own to the families of your three colleagues taken away from us and to their friends at NINA. We greatly respect the difficult and dangerous work NINA is doing, please rest assured that our thoughts are with you and your colleagues.

Roland Rich Executive Head UNDEF"

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