SPJ statement about alleged execution of American photojournalist James Foley

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8/19/2014

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 19, 2014

Contacts:
David Cuillier, SPJ President, 520.248.6242, spjdave@yahoo.com
Jennifer Royer, SPJ Communications Strategist, 317.361.4134, jroyer@spj.org

INDIANAPOLIS — Our thoughts and deepest condolences go out to the family, friends and colleagues of American photojournalist James Foley, who allegedly died at the hands of the Islamic State militant group (ISIS) in retaliation for U.S. airstrikes in Iraq.

Foley and thousands of other journalists risk their lives every day to seek truth and report it, and it is unconscionable they would face intimidation and violence by those who kill innocents for political gain.

According to the Committee to Protect Journalists, since 1992 more than 1,000 journalists have been killed serving the public — 30 so far this year. It was 12 years ago that Daniel Pearl of the Wall Street Journal also faced execution by terrorists.

"We mourn the loss of all these heroes who gave their lives to enlighten the public and make the world a better place," said SPJ President David Cuillier.

This also should serve as a reminder today, and always, to those covering this story to adhere to SPJ's Code of Ethics and "show good taste and avoid pandering to lurid curiousity" as graphic photos and video appear on websites and social media.

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