FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 1, 2024
Media Contact: Melissa Garriga | [email protected]
Die-In Demonstration In Front of USA Today to Highlight the Targeting of Journalists in Gaza
ROCHESTER, NY – Activists will hold a “die-in” demonstration in front of the USA Today Democrat & Chronicle building to spotlight Israel’s ongoing targeting of journalists in Gaza and Lebanon, which prevents critical reporting of the crisis. This event aims to urge local media to enhance their coverage on Palestinian issues and recognize the UN’s International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists, observed on November 2nd.
- Where: USA Today Democrat & Chronicle Building, 245 E Main St, Downtown Rochester, NY.
- When: Friday, November 1st, at 12:00 pm (die-in starts at 12:20 pm, a speech will be delivered at 12:30pm, concluding by 12:45pm)
“What are American media professionals doing to stand up for their colleagues in Gaza and amplify their work? According to the Committee to Protect Journalists, at least 135 journalists have been killed in Gaza and Lebanon in the past year alone, violating international humanitarian law, which grants journalists the same protections as civilians during times of conflict,” organizers Kim Nelson and Taylor Howarth write in a statement to local media.
“Israel’s misidentification of journalists as 'Hamas' without evidence has tragically made them targets. Just this past Sunday, five more journalists lost their lives. By cutting off internet access and targeting reporters in Northern Gaza, Israel is effectively blocking any reporting on critical, escalating atrocities, from sieges on hospitals to the targeting of fleeing civilians. Journalists deserve protection, not persecution,” they continued.
CODEPINK Rochester members and allies will dress in blue press attire, wearing “PRESS” signage on their fronts and backs and blue helmets, to symbolize solidarity with Palestinian journalists. Safety measures are in place, and the event will be peaceful.
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