Statement by Ambassador Ryan Crocker Condemning the Deaths of Four Journalists From Al-Sharqiyah TV Station

September 14, 2008

The United States strongly condemns the killing of four journalists in Mosul from the Iraqi satellite TV station Al-Sharqiyah.  We extend our heartfelt condolences to the journalists’ families, to their colleagues at Al-Sharqiyah, and to the broader community of journalists in Iraq.

The strength and vitality of a free press is the hallmark of an open and democratic society.  Over the past few years, more than 200 journalists in Iraq have given their lives in the pursuit of truth.  We applaud the Prime Minister’s call for a committee to investigate this reprehensible crime and we urge the government to take every reasonable measure to assure the safety of the dedicated Iraqis who are committed to this noble profession.