Generations of journalists have reported from war zones, recognizing
the dangers of bearing witness from battlefields. The conflagration that
started in Syria has increased these dangers as journalists now are kidnapped
by extremist groups and targeted for killings.
The Overseas Press Club of America is sickened, saddened and
appalled to issue a second statement within two weeks on the execution of an
American journalist by the Islamic State. Steven J. Sotloff spent years in the Middle East writing for
Time magazine, Foreign Policy, World Affairs
Journal and other publications before
he was abducted more than a year ago. Friends say he was courageous, thoughtful
and was living his dream of being an international reporter.
Like
James Foley and many more brave journalists, Sotloff went to Syria to report on
the country’s brutal civil war and the toll paid by civilians. He was seized
and turned into a symbol for things he did not control. He sought only to tell
the truth and for that, he was savagely murdered.
Sotloff
and Foley were not deterred by the risks of their jobs. The Islamic State and
others who try to suppress the truth will find the international journalism
community will keep on doing their jobs in Syria, Hong Kong, Ukraine, Gaza and
wherever there is an important story to tell.
The
video Shirley Sotloff released last week pleading for her son’s life was
heartbreaking, but made clear the strength that runs in the Sotloff
family. Our members send their profound sympathy to Steven’s family.