Advisory - Under Fire: Reporting on Elections in Iraq

OTTAWA, April 15 /CNW Telbec/ - Iraqi journalists continue to face great risk trying to report their stories. According to Journalistic Freedoms Observatory, 188 journalists and media workers have been killed, and 78 kidnapped since March 2003. Hundreds more have been forced into exile, where many continue to report.

A new wave of violence against journalists swelled during last month's national elections. Some observers called it the most "harrowing" period for journalists since the start of the recent war in Iraq.

Leading Iraqi reporters and civil society activists will share their experiences at a public event at the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) in Ottawa on April 20th. The discussion will also explore Canada's potential contributions to building and strengthening independent media in Iraq.

Panellists include:

    
    -   Farah Jafar Baqer - Al-Nass Radio in Baghdad
    -   Zuhair Al-Jaziary - Aswat al-Iraq press agency
    -   Sajid Ahmad Karim - Al-Adala newspaper
    -   Shemira Odisho - League of Iraqi Women

    When:  Tuesday, April 20, 2010, 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
    Where: IDRC, 150 Kent Street, 8th floor, Ottawa, ON
    

This panel discussion is jointly hosted by Alternatives and Canada's International Development Research Centre. The visit of these speakers is made possible through a contribution from the Canadian International Development Agency.

The event is open to the media. French, English and Arabic simultaneous interpretation is available. Spaces are limited and journalists are encouraged to register by calling Isabelle Bourgeault-Tassé at 613-696-2343 or e-mailing at [email protected].

For more information visit www.idrc.ca/events.

About IDRC

For 40 years, Canada's International Development Research Centre has been supporting research in developing countries to promote growth and development. The result is innovative, lasting local solutions that aim to bring choice and change to those who need it most. www.idrc.ca

For further information: Isabelle Bourgeault-Tassé, [phone], [email protected]