Over 200 journalists killed in Iraq since 1993, Atlantic Council panel hears

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Adriana Arquit, a senior fellow at the Atlantic Council, said at a Thursday panel titled "Journalists in Danger: Press Freedom in Iraq" that journalists face growing threats around the world, particularly in Iraq. Arquit recalled the kidnapping of American journalist Shelly Kittleson by an armed group in Baghdad and the harsh conditions she endured before her release, calling Kittleson's decision to return to Iraq and continue her work an example of the determination of war correspondents. Quoting international reports, she said more than 200 journalists have been killed in Iraq since 1993 and that the country has slipped in global press freedom rankings. Arquit said Iraqi journalists continue to work despite threats, pressure, detention and violence, and in some cases have been directly targeted. She added that protecting journalists goes beyond security measures and requires stronger legal and institutional frameworks, efforts to combat impunity, and support for field-based reporting. Arquit said the role of the United States, its allies and regional partners in providing a safer working environment for journalists needs to be addressed.