HELP SWAT VALLEY JOURNALISTS IN EXILE

HELP SWAT VALLEY JOURNALISTS IN EXILE

The Kyber Union of Journalists and Reporters Without Borders (RSF) are
appealing to fellow media and press freedom organisations to raise
emergency funds for Pakistan's journalists who have fled Swat Valley.

According to RSF, more than 30 journalists and their families have sought
refuge in Peshawar and other cities since the army launched its offensive
against the Taliban earlier this month.

No security measures have so far been taken that would enable the media to
resume operating in the valley.

"The humanitarian crisis is likely to persist so these funds must be seen
as just a first step paving the way for massive support for these
journalists, whose flight has left Swat Valley without media coverage,"
said RSF.

RSF has sent 5,000 Euros (US$6,800) in emergency funds that the Khyber
Union of Journalists will distribute to help meet housing, food and medical
care for journalists and their families.

To make a donation, contact RSF correspondent, Iqbal Khattak, at: khattak63
(@) gmail.com

Related stories on IFEX.org:
- Journalists flee Swat Valley:
http://www.ifex.org/pakistan/2009/05/13/swat_valley_flee/

More on the web:
- Emergency funds for journalists who have had to flee Swat valley fighting
(RSF): http://www.rsf.org/article.php3?id_article=31340