Wyden Resolution Condemning Killing of Journalists in Syria Unanimously Passes Senate
Washington, D.C. – Coverage of the escalating violence in Syria continues to underscore the essential service that war correspondents provide the world community. As the Syrian government continues to deny the mass killing of civilian protesters, journalists have risked life and limb to deliver an objective account of the conflict. In pursuit of the truth, these men and women have been detained, arrested, wounded and sometimes killed.
Last night, the United States Senate unanimously passed a resolution authored, by U.S. Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), acknowledging the service and sacrifice of the nine journalists who have given their lives while reporting from Syria and calling on the Syrian government to immediately end its media blackout and open the country up to independent and foreign news media.
“Reporters may not get medals, but their service and sacrifice deserve recognition. Little would be known about some of the most violent places in the world if these brave men and women weren't willing to take the risks necessary to get the story out," Wyden said. “As the son of a reporter, I am especially grateful that the U.S. Senate has unanimously passed my resolution honoring these courageous men and women.”
Since the start of the conflict in Syria, at least nine members of the media have been killed covering the uprising in Syria. Two of them were killed when their makeshift press center was destroyed by shelling by the Syrian government. All nine have been honored by name in the resolution which is available here. The Syrian government continues to deny entry to foreign journalists.
Senators Joe Lieberman (I-Conn.), Bob Menendez (D-NJ), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Jeff Bingaman (D-NM), Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) were cosponsors of the resolution.