India on Wednesday (August 27) voiced strong concerns over the killing of journalists in Gaza, after an Israeli strike on Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis left more than 20 people dead, including members of the media. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) described the incident as “deeply regrettable” and conveyed shock at the loss of lives. In its statement, the Ministry of External Affairs underlined that journalists, by virtue of their role in reporting from the frontlines, must never be targeted or caught in the crossfire. “The killing of media professionals strikes at the very foundation of press freedom and the public’s right to information,” the ministry said, reiterating India’s consistent call for safeguarding civilians during armed conflicts.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/3-dead-several-feared-trapped-as-apartment-building-in-mumbai-s-virar-collapses-during-party-rescue-ops-underway-1756269513194">3 dead, several feared trapped as apartment building in Mumbai's Virar collapses during party; Rescue ops underway</a>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Our response to media queries regarding loss of lives of journalists in Khan Younis, Gaza 🔗 <a href="https://t.co/he8LS9Kw35">https://t.co/he8LS9Kw35</a> <a href="https://t.co/HT3s7gAkMw">pic.twitter.com/HT3s7gAkMw</a>&mdash; Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia/status/1960548725530460490?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 27, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The attack has drawn global criticism, with Israel maintaining that the strike was unintended and vowing to conduct a thorough investigation. Officials in Tel Aviv called the incident a “tragic mishap,” stressing that military operations were directed against militant threats and not towards journalists or medical personnel.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-says-ready-and-willing-to-work-with-uk-reform-party-s-farage-and-accept-deported-afghans-1756284570187">Taliban says 'ready and willing' to work with UK Reform Party's Farage and accept deported Afghans</a>&nbsp;New Delhi, while taking note of Israel’s assurance of an inquiry, stressed upon the importance of accountability and urged that such tragedies must not recur. The statement added that civilian casualties, particularly of those performing essential duties such as journalism and healthcare, cannot be justified under any circumstance. India’s response aligns with its broader diplomatic stance of balancing ties with Israel while voicing support for the protection of human life in conflict zones. By condemning the incident, New Delhi also reinforced its position that freedom of the press is integral, even in times of war.

India voices concern over journalists killed in Gaza hospital attack

India on Wednesday (August 27) voiced strong concerns over the killing of journalists in Gaza, after an Israeli strike on Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis left more than 20 people dead, including members of the media. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) described the incident as “deeply regrettable” and conveyed shock at the loss of lives. In its statement, the Ministry of External Affairs underlined that journalists, by virtue of their role in reporting from the frontlines, must never be targeted or caught in the crossfire. “The killing of media professionals strikes at the very foundation of press freedom and the public’s right to information,” the ministry said, reiterating India’s consistent call for safeguarding civilians during armed conflicts. Also Read: 3 dead, several feared trapped as apartment building in Mumbai's Virar collapses during party; Rescue ops underway

&nbsp;A total of five journalists were killed when a missile hit a hospital in Gaza. The journalists were working for Reuters, Al Jazeera and the Associated Press among other media publications

New questions have surfaced over the type of weapon used in the deadly strike on Gaza’s Nasser Hospital, with experts suggesting Israel deployed a guided Spike missile in the attack. Weapons analyst Dheifallah Al-Dabboubi, cited in reports, argued that the destruction pattern at the site was unusually precise, consistent with a guided strike rather than the widespread damage typical of cluster munitions. The concentrated impact suggested a deliberate choice of target.&nbsp;Human rights observers also studied the trajectory of the munition, observing it originated from the northwest and followed a guided path—matching the known capabilities of the Spike missile family. The Hind Rajab Foundation, which analysed the evidence, went further, accusing the Israeli military of carrying out a calculated “double-tap” strike designed to hit not only the hospital but also medics, first responders, and journalists in the area. Such an action, if confirmed, could constitute a war crime under international law.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-shows-off-long-neptune-a-domestic-missile-that-can-hit-targets-1-000-km-inside-russia-here-s-how-it-s-an-upgrade-on-r-360-neptune-1756191828542">Ukraine shows off 'Long Neptune': A domestic missile that can hit targets 1,000 km inside Russia. Here's how it's an 'upgrade' on R-360 Neptune</a><h2>What Are Spike Missiles?</h2>The Spike missile family, developed by Israel’s Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, is among the most advanced guided weapon systems in the world. A prominent model, the Spike LR2, is a fifth-generation, electro-optical, multi-platform missile that can be launched from infantry units, armored vehicles, helicopters, and naval platforms.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-bombs-gaza-s-nasser-hospital-journalists-medics-killed-in-outrageous-attack-1756194277451/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-bombs-gaza-s-nasser-hospital-journalists-medics-killed-in-outrageous-attack-1756194277451/embed</a><h2>Key Capabilities of the Spike LR2</h2><ul><li>Extended range: Up to 5.5 km for ground-launched versions</li><li>Electro-optical guidance: equipped with advanced infrared and day sensors, allowing operators to engage targets in both clear and adverse conditions</li><li>Multiple firing modes: including fire-and-forget, fire-and-observe with in-flight control, and fire-to-coordinates for striking pre-mapped targets</li><li>Warhead versatility: tandem HEAT (high-explosive anti-tank) for armored targets, as well as penetration and airburst modes for fortified structures and personnel</li><li>Resistant to countermeasures: designed to function effectively even against GPS and electronic jamming</li><li>Cross-family compatibility: interchangeable across different Spike variants, which reduces cost and simplifies battlefield logistics</li></ul>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sea-monster-russian-warship-armed-with-hypersonic-missiles-launched-amid-100-bn-navy-expansion-putin-project-22350-admiral-amelko-gorshkov-frigate-1756187171621">Sea Monster? Russian warship armed with hypersonic missiles launched as Moscow embarks on $100 bn Navy expansion to face rivals in the seas</a>&nbsp;These features make the Spike system highly accurate and lethal, capable of neutralising not just armoured vehicles but also buildings and small, high-value targets. If confirmed, the use of such a system would underline both the precision and the controversy surrounding modern guided weaponry.

Did Israel use guided spike missile Heres all you need to know about the weapon amid claims of them being fired in Gaza hospital attack

New questions have surfaced over the type of weapon used in the deadly strike on Gaza’s Nasser Hospital, with experts suggesting Israel deployed a guided Spike missile in the attack. Weapons analyst Dheifallah Al-Dabboubi, cited in reports, argued that the destruction pattern at the site was unusually precise, consistent with a guided strike rather than the widespread damage typical of cluster munitions. The concentrated impact suggested a deliberate choice of target. Human rights observers also studied the trajectory of the munition, observing it originated from the northwest and followed a guided path—matching the known capabilities of the Spike missile family. The Hind Rajab Foundation, which analysed the evidence, went further, accusing the Israeli military of carrying out a calculated “double-tap” strike designed to hit not only the hospital but also medics, first responders, and journalists in the area. Such an action, if confirmed, could constitute a war crime under international law. Also Read: Ukraine shows off 'Long Neptune': A domestic missile that can hit targets 1,000 km inside Russia. Here's how it's an 'upgrade' on R-360 Neptune What Are Spike Missiles? The Spike missile family, developed by Israel’s Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, is among the most advanced guided weapon systems in the world. A prominent model, the Spike LR2, is a fifth-generation, electro-optical, multi-platform missile that can be launched from infantry units, armored vehicles, helicopters, and naval platforms. https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-bombs-gaza-s-nasser-hospital-journalists-medics-killed-in-outrageous-attack-1756194277451/embed Key Capabilities of the Spike LR2 Extended range: Up to 5.5 km for ground-launched versions Electro-optical guidance: equipped with advanced infrared and day sensors, allowing operators to engage targets in both clear and adverse conditions Multiple firing modes: including fire-and-forget, fire-and-observe with in-flight control, and fire-to-coordinates for striking pre-mapped targets Warhead versatility: tandem HEAT (high-explosive anti-tank) for armored targets, as well as penetration and airburst modes for fortified structures and personnel Resistant to countermeasures: designed to function effectively even against GPS and electronic jamming Cross-family compatibility: interchangeable across different Spike variants, which reduces cost and simplifies battlefield logistics Also Read: Sea Monster? Russian warship armed with hypersonic missiles launched as Moscow embarks on $100 bn Navy expansion to face rivals in the seas These features make the Spike system highly accurate and lethal, capable of neutralising not just armoured vehicles but also buildings and small, high-value targets. If confirmed, the use of such a system would underline both the precision and the controversy surrounding modern guided weaponry.

The Spike missile family, developed by Israel’s Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, is regarded as one of the world’s most advanced guided weapon systems

Did Israel use guided spike missile? Here's all you need to know about the weapon amid claims of them being fired in Gaza hospital attack

The number of journalists imprisoned hit a record high this year, said media watchdog Reporters Without Borders (RSF). According to the RSF’s annual round-up of violence and abuses against journalists, more than one journalist was killed every week in 2022 and up to December 1, the number of journalists killed was 20 per cent higher than the same time last year.&nbsp;

At least 533 journalists are currently detained across the world which is up from 488 last year which was already a record high, said the report by the Paris-based watchdog, published on Wednesday. It also called China, “the world’s biggest jailer of journalists” with a total of 110 journalists who are currently in prison. This was followed by Myanmar (62), Iran (47), Vietnam (39) and Belarus (31).&nbsp;

Among those imprisoned at least three-quarters are in Asia and the Middle East, said the report, while a little over one-third of the imprisoned media workers, across the world, have been convicted. However, the remaining two-thirds are being detained without trial. “Some of them have been waiting for their trial for more than 20 years,” said the RSF.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/digital-media-is-causing-divisions-fuelling-global-tensions-reporters-without-borders-476178">Digital media is causing divisions, fuelling global tensions: Reporters Without Borders</a>

The RSF also mentioned the longest sentence recorded by the watchdog in 2022, which has been handed to Ivan Safronov, a Russian investigative journalist who has been convicted for revealing “state secrets” and sentenced to 22 years in prison.&nbsp;

Furthermore, the number of women journalists imprisoned has also risen from 60 to 78 since 2021 which the report has&nbsp;largely attributed to the number of women entering the profession.&nbsp;

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🔴 2022 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RSFRoundUp?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RSFRoundUp</a>: Last year’s record has been broken again. 
 
533 journalists are in prison. RSF has also never previously seen so many women journalists in detention. (30% more than a year ago) 
 
More than one journalist was killed every week in 2022<a href="https://t.co/ArMIN70cuM">https://t.co/ArMIN70cuM</a> <a href="https://t.co/r0THgQp9Cd">pic.twitter.com/r0THgQp9Cd</a>
— RSF (@RSF_inter) <a href="https://twitter.com/RSF_inter/status/1602934414778023937?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 14, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Notably, the RSF has been publishing the annual report since 1995 and highlighted the unprecedented move by Iran which has locked at least 34, media professionals, since the beginning of the countrywide protests in September. The demonstrations broke out following the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini who allegedly died in custody after being detained by the country’s morality police.&nbsp;

“Dictatorial and authoritarian regimes are filling their prisons faster than ever by jailing journalists,” said RSF Secretary-General, Christophe Deloire. He added, “This new record in the number of detained journalists confirms the pressing and urgent need to resist these unscrupulous governments and to extend our active solidarity to all those who embody the ideal of journalistic freedom, independence and pluralism.”&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-hong-kong-plummeted-68-places-in-the-recent-press-freedom-rankings-476076">Why Hong Kong plummeted 68 places in the recent press freedom rankings</a>

The report also said that 57 media workers have been killed in 2022 which is an 18.8 per cent increase when compared to 48 last year. This increase has been attributed to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, while numbers are up from the “historic lows” of 48 and 50 in the last two years, respectively.

At least eight journalists were killed while reporting about the conflict in the first six months while more than 60 per cent of media workers lost their lives in countries that are considered to be at peace. Reportedly, seven female journalists were killed this year which constitutes 12 per cent of all victims.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Mexico topped the list where a total of 11 journalists were killed this year which is almost 20 per cent of those killed across the world. This was followed by Haiti (6) and Brazil (3) which contributed to making the Americas the world’s most dangerous region for media in 2022, accounting for 47.5 per cent of all deaths worldwide. &nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mexico-on-track-for-one-of-deadliest-years-for-media-452655">Mexico on track for one of deadliest years for media</a>

The report also noted that at least 65 journalists and media workers are currently being held hostage and nearly 49 journalists are missing. In 2022, 80 per cent of media workers across the world were “deliberately targeted” for their work or the stories they were covering, including organised crime and corruption cases, said the report.&nbsp;

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The number of journalists imprisoned hit a record high this year, said media watchdog Reporters Without Borders (RSF). According to the RSF’s annual round-up of violence and abuses against journalists, more than one journalist was killed every week in 2022 and up to December 1, the number of journalists killed was 20 per cent higher than the same time last year.

The number of journalists imprisoned hit a record high this year, said media watchdog Reporters Without Borders (RSF). According to the RSF’s annual round-up of violence and abuses against journalists, more than one journalist was killed every week in 2022 and up to December 1, the number of journalists killed was 20 per cent higher than the same time last year. At least 533 journalists are currently detained across the world which is up from 488 last year which was already a record high, said the report by the Paris-based watchdog, published on Wednesday. It also called China, “the world’s biggest jailer of journalists” with a total of 110 journalists who are currently in prison. This was followed by Myanmar (62), Iran (47), Vietnam (39) and Belarus (31). Among those imprisoned at least three-quarters are in Asia and the Middle East, said the report, while a little over one-third of the imprisoned media workers, across the world, have been convicted. However, the remaining two-thirds are being detained without trial. “Some of them have been waiting for their trial for more than 20 years,” said the RSF. ALSO READ | Digital media is causing divisions, fuelling global tensions: Reporters Without Borders The RSF also mentioned the longest sentence recorded by the watchdog in 2022, which has been handed to Ivan Safronov, a Russian investigative journalist who has been convicted for revealing “state secrets” and sentenced to 22 years in prison. Furthermore, the number of women journalists imprisoned has also risen from 60 to 78 since 2021 which the report has largely attributed to the number of women entering the profession. 🔴 2022 #RSFRoundUp: Last year’s record has been broken again. 533 journalists are in prison. RSF has also never previously seen so many women journalists in detention. (30% more than a year ago) More than one journalist was killed every week in 2022https://t.co/ArMIN70cuM pic.twitter.com/r0THgQp9Cd — RSF (@RSF_inter) December 14, 2022 × Notably, the RSF has been publishing the annual report since 1995 and highlighted the unprecedented move by Iran which has locked at least 34, media professionals, since the beginning of the countrywide protests in September. The demonstrations broke out following the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini who allegedly died in custody after being detained by the country’s morality police. “Dictatorial and authoritarian regimes are filling their prisons faster than ever by jailing journalists,” said RSF Secretary-General, Christophe Deloire. He added, “This new record in the number of detained journalists confirms the pressing and urgent need to resist these unscrupulous governments and to extend our active solidarity to all those who embody the ideal of journalistic freedom, independence and pluralism.” ALSO READ | Why Hong Kong plummeted 68 places in the recent press freedom rankings The report also said that 57 media workers have been killed in 2022 which is an 18.8 per cent increase when compared to 48 last year. This increase has been attributed to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, while numbers are up from the “historic lows” of 48 and 50 in the last two years, respectively. At least eight journalists were killed while reporting about the conflict in the first six months while more than 60 per cent of media workers lost their lives in countries that are considered to be at peace. Reportedly, seven female journalists were killed this year which constitutes 12 per cent of all victims. Meanwhile, Mexico topped the list where a total of 11 journalists were killed this year which is almost 20 per cent of those killed across the world. This was followed by Haiti (6) and Brazil (3) which contributed to making the Americas the world’s most dangerous region for media in 2022, accounting for 47.5 per cent of all deaths worldwide. ALSO READ | Mexico on track for one of deadliest years for media The report also noted that at least 65 journalists and media workers are currently being held hostage and nearly 49 journalists are missing. In 2022, 80 per cent of media workers across the world were “deliberately targeted” for their work or the stories they were covering, including organised crime and corruption cases, said the report. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Number of journalists imprisoned hits record high; more than one killed every week in 2022: RSF

2022 has been the deadliest year on record for journalists in Mexico. As per a report by Article 19, a human rights organisation, 18 journalists have been killed in the country so far this year. 
 
Talking to Reuters, the organisation's regional director Leopoldo Maldonado said, "2022 could be the worst year in a century for the press".&nbsp;

Maldonado further revealed that according to Article 19 investigation, nine out of the 18 deaths have thus far produced a potential link to the journalist's work.

Watch |&nbsp;Mexico reports a spike in violence against Journalists

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In the first half of the year, the group has recorded a total of 331 attacks against journalists, the majority of which entail intimidation and harassment. Some of them also received threats, and a few of the cases involved alleged abuses of authority.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mexico-on-track-for-one-of-deadliest-years-for-media-452655">Mexico on track for one of deadliest years for media</a>

Compared to the first half of 2018, when former President Enrique Pena Nieto reigned, this represents a 51.83 per cent gain. The death toll for 2022 has already surpassed the 13 murders reported last year and the 14 murders reported in 2020, the organisation also found that in those two years around half of the incidents were connected to the victims' occupation.

Furthermore, Article 19 said that two journalists have fled the country during the first half of the year, and four journalists had been forcibly displaced within the nation.

Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, the president of Mexico, has repeatedly claimed that criminal organisations are responsible for recent homicides and that his government does not target the media.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/another-journalist-murdered-in-mexico-ninth-this-year-477045">Another journalist murdered in Mexico, ninth this year</a>

However, Article 19 alleged that the state was responsible for the majority of attacks against the media.&nbsp;

"The role that the authorities have in the violence against the press clearly reflects a breach of the state's obligations to guarantee the rights and integrity of journalists and the media," said the report.

(With inputs from agencies)

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2022 has been the deadliest year on record for journalists in Mexico. As per a report by Article 19, a human rights organisation, 18 journalists have been killed in the country so far this year.

2022 has been the deadliest year on record for journalists in Mexico. As per a report by Article 19, a human rights organisation, 18 journalists have been killed in the country so far this year. Talking to Reuters, the organisation's regional director Leopoldo Maldonado said, "2022 could be the worst year in a century for the press". Maldonado further revealed that according to Article 19 investigation, nine out of the 18 deaths have thus far produced a potential link to the journalist's work. Watch | Mexico reports a spike in violence against Journalists In the first half of the year, the group has recorded a total of 331 attacks against journalists, the majority of which entail intimidation and harassment. Some of them also received threats, and a few of the cases involved alleged abuses of authority. Also read | Mexico on track for one of deadliest years for media Compared to the first half of 2018, when former President Enrique Pena Nieto reigned, this represents a 51.83 per cent gain. The death toll for 2022 has already surpassed the 13 murders reported last year and the 14 murders reported in 2020, the organisation also found that in those two years around half of the incidents were connected to the victims' occupation. Furthermore, Article 19 said that two journalists have fled the country during the first half of the year, and four journalists had been forcibly displaced within the nation. Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, the president of Mexico, has repeatedly claimed that criminal organisations are responsible for recent homicides and that his government does not target the media. Also read | Another journalist murdered in Mexico, ninth this year However, Article 19 alleged that the state was responsible for the majority of attacks against the media. "The role that the authorities have in the violence against the press clearly reflects a breach of the state's obligations to guarantee the rights and integrity of journalists and the media," said the report. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION LIVE HERE: You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

With 18 deaths, 331 attacks, 2022 is the 'deadliest' year in a century for journalists in Mexico: Report

A judge in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/child-killed-as-earthquake-strikes-southern-philippines-268381">Philippines</a> prepared to deliver a verdict on Thursday on the&nbsp;massacre&nbsp;a decade ago of 58 people, among them 32 journalists, in one of the country's most high-profile cases and its worst single instance of election violence.

Three generations of a&nbsp;political&nbsp;clan accused of masterminding the&nbsp;2009&nbsp;killings are among 101 defendants awaiting judgement, in a case seen as a crucial test of impunity in country where provincial power is often decided by corruption, intimidation and violence.

Seven members of the influential Ampatuan family are accused of conspiring to ambush the convoy of a rival clan as it travelled to register its candidate for a gubernatorial election in the southern province of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/two-explosions-rock-southern-philippines-ahead-of-election-218374">Maguindanao</a>, an attack that spiralled into a bloodbath.

Among the casualties were the wife and relatives of the rival candidate, lawyers and 32 media workers, who were executed beside a rural road in a volley of gunfire, before being buried with their vehicles in a huge pit dug by an excavator.

It was one of the world's single, biggest attacks on journalists. The defendants deny charges of multiple counts of murder and face up to 30 years in jail for each one.

There were 357 witnesses and 197 suspects, 80 of those still at large, including 12 Ampatuans. The family patriarch, Andal Ampatuan, died in prison of a heart attack in 2015.

Five other Ampatuan family members and 54 police are also on trial and lawyers for the families said a guilty verdict would be crucial for&nbsp;Philippine&nbsp;democracy.

"We are rooting for a conviction no more, no less," Nena Santos, a private prosecutor in the case, told reporters.

"This is very important because if no conviction here it would mean the impunity continues, press freedom is dead and the democratic process is at stake."

The judge and lawyers were in discussions about how much of the verdict to read out from its more than 700 pages.

The attack, known as the "Maguindanao&nbsp;Massacre", was chilling even by&nbsp;Philippine&nbsp;standards, where&nbsp;political&nbsp;assassinations are commonplace in elections for mayors, governors and even congress. Several witnesses in the case have been killed.

Muslim-dominated parts of the southern&nbsp;Philippines are notoriously violent, prone to lawlessness, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/philippine-troops-pound-islamists-as-death-toll-passes-300-16944">separatist unrest</a> and the&nbsp;rule&nbsp;of warlords aided by an abundance of arms.

Human Rights Watch said that regardless of the verdict, suspects on the run must be caught.

"The families of Maguindanao victims and witnesses will be at risk so long as suspects remain free," said Phil Robertson, the group's deputy Asia director.

A judge in the Philippines prepared to deliver a verdict on Thursday on the massacre a decade ago of 58 people, among them 32 journalists, in one of the country's most high-profile cases and its worst single instance of election violence.

A judge in the Philippines prepared to deliver a verdict on Thursday on the massacre a decade ago of 58 people, among them 32 journalists, in one of the country's most high-profile cases and its worst single instance of election violence. Three generations of a political clan accused of masterminding the 2009 killings are among 101 defendants awaiting judgement, in a case seen as a crucial test of impunity in country where provincial power is often decided by corruption, intimidation and violence. Seven members of the influential Ampatuan family are accused of conspiring to ambush the convoy of a rival clan as it travelled to register its candidate for a gubernatorial election in the southern province of Maguindanao, an attack that spiralled into a bloodbath. Among the casualties were the wife and relatives of the rival candidate, lawyers and 32 media workers, who were executed beside a rural road in a volley of gunfire, before being buried with their vehicles in a huge pit dug by an excavator. It was one of the world's single, biggest attacks on journalists. The defendants deny charges of multiple counts of murder and face up to 30 years in jail for each one. There were 357 witnesses and 197 suspects, 80 of those still at large, including 12 Ampatuans. The family patriarch, Andal Ampatuan, died in prison of a heart attack in 2015. Five other Ampatuan family members and 54 police are also on trial and lawyers for the families said a guilty verdict would be crucial for Philippine democracy. "We are rooting for a conviction no more, no less," Nena Santos, a private prosecutor in the case, told reporters. "This is very important because if no conviction here it would mean the impunity continues, press freedom is dead and the democratic process is at stake." The judge and lawyers were in discussions about how much of the verdict to read out from its more than 700 pages. The attack, known as the "Maguindanao Massacre", was chilling even by Philippine standards, where political assassinations are commonplace in elections for mayors, governors and even congress. Several witnesses in the case have been killed. Muslim-dominated parts of the southern Philippines are notoriously violent, prone to lawlessness, separatist unrest and the rule of warlords aided by an abundance of arms. Human Rights Watch said that regardless of the verdict, suspects on the run must be caught. "The families of Maguindanao victims and witnesses will be at risk so long as suspects remain free," said Phil Robertson, the group's deputy Asia director.

Philippine court to rule on 2009 political massacre

At least 17 journalists were killed and over 100 cases of violence against media workers reported in Afghanistan in 2018, one of the bloodiest years for the press in the war-torn country, a media watchdog said on Thursday.

Afghan Journalists Safety Committee in its annual report released in Kabul said the number of slain journalists was fewer than in 2017, when 20 deaths marked the deadliest year for media persons since the nonprofit started tracking these incidents in 2013.

It said 15 journalists were injured last year and 121 cases of physical violence and intimidation were reported, including illegal detention, threats and insults.

Of the 121 cases, 41 per cent were carried out by the Taliban and the Islamic State militant groups, 27 per cent by the people related to the government, five per cent by owners of media outlets and the rest by unidentified people.

At least 11 per cent of the victims in such cases were women, the watchdog said.

AJSC director Najib Sharifi told EFE that he was extremely concerned by the "deliberate and direct targeting" of journalists and media outlets.

He said despite growing threats to journalists, most of the media houses were yet to employ sufficient security measures to protect their employees.

"We ask the government to take serious security measures. We also call on owners of the media outlets to pay attention to the security of their journalists," Sharifi said.

AJSC researcher Abdul Qadim Wiar said 2018 was more violent as compared to the past because the nature of the violence against journalists "changed completely."

Sharifi pointed out that most of the deaths in 2018 occurred on April 30, when a double-suicide attack in Kabul - claimed by the Islamic State - killed nine journalists, including an AFP photojournalist.

On the same day, an Afghan journalist working for British broadcaster BBC died in a shooting incident in southeast Afghanistan.

Last week, an anti-terrorist trial court awarded death to one of the convicts and six and 30 years one to other two in the BBC journalist's murder.

At least 17 journalists were killed and over 100 cases of violence against media workers reported in Afghanistan in 2018, one of the bloodiest years for the press in the war-torn country, a media watchdog said on Thursday.

At least 17 journalists were killed and over 100 cases of violence against media workers reported in Afghanistan in 2018, one of the bloodiest years for the press in the war-torn country, a media watchdog said on Thursday. Afghan Journalists Safety Committee in its annual report released in Kabul said the number of slain journalists was fewer than in 2017, when 20 deaths marked the deadliest year for media persons since the nonprofit started tracking these incidents in 2013. It said 15 journalists were injured last year and 121 cases of physical violence and intimidation were reported, including illegal detention, threats and insults. Of the 121 cases, 41 per cent were carried out by the Taliban and the Islamic State militant groups, 27 per cent by the people related to the government, five per cent by owners of media outlets and the rest by unidentified people. At least 11 per cent of the victims in such cases were women, the watchdog said. AJSC director Najib Sharifi told EFE that he was extremely concerned by the "deliberate and direct targeting" of journalists and media outlets. He said despite growing threats to journalists, most of the media houses were yet to employ sufficient security measures to protect their employees. "We ask the government to take serious security measures. We also call on owners of the media outlets to pay attention to the security of their journalists," Sharifi said. AJSC researcher Abdul Qadim Wiar said 2018 was more violent as compared to the past because the nature of the violence against journalists "changed completely." Sharifi pointed out that most of the deaths in 2018 occurred on April 30, when a double-suicide attack in Kabul - claimed by the Islamic State - killed nine journalists, including an AFP photojournalist. On the same day, an Afghan journalist working for British broadcaster BBC died in a shooting incident in southeast Afghanistan. Last week, an anti-terrorist trial court awarded death to one of the convicts and six and 30 years one to other two in the BBC journalist's murder.

17 Journalists killed in Afghanistan in 2018: Media watchdog