Developing nations’ records on protecting journalists should be factors when democratic governments consider aid programs, according to the International News Safety Institute.

In a speech on Capitol Hill in Washington marking World Press Freedom Day, INSI director Rodney Pinder called for practical action by governments to stop the killing of journalists worldwide.  INSI says more than 1,300 journalists and other media professionals have been killed in the line of duty since 1996.

Linking aid to the protection of journalists is “of fundamental importance to our democratic freedoms,” Pinder said.  He proposed a four-point plan for governments to help staunch the bloodshed.

More information and the full text of Pinder’s speech