The Overseas Press Club of America condemns the murder of journalist Luke Somers by Al Qaeda-affiliated militants in Yemen on December 5. Mr. Somers’ assassination, the latest in a string of killings of journalists attempting to cover nations in conflict, underscores the continuing danger for those merely trying to report from dangerous regions where the lives of local civilians are in jeopardy every day.
The OPC extends our condolences to Mr. Somers family, as well as to the families of those who have been killed in the line of journalistic duty. And we keep those still in harm’s way in our thoughts. We pledge to work tirelessly to support and to help equip and protect our members and our colleagues in these times when belligerents are targeting journalists because they are journalists.
In an increasingly connected world, few duties are as crucial as shining light into dark places and bringing that information to a global community. We will do all we can to help those dedicated to doing so and to strengthen them in pursuit of this mission.
Faithfully,
The Board of Governors of the Overseas Press Club of America