The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) today condemned the bomb blast in the Iraqi city of Dywaniay which claimed the lives of 22 people, including cameraman Salem Kadhim of Afaq TV, and injured 35 others.

"We mourn yet another colleague who fell to violence in the line of duty," said Jim Boumelha, IFJ President. "His death is a tragedy for his family, colleagues and all journalists in Iraq who over a decade have defied adversity in covering their communities, cities and country. We owe Salem and other fallen colleagues a debt of gratitude for their sacrifice for journalism."

According to a statement from the Iraqi Journalists' Syndicate (IJS), an IFJ affiliate, Salem Kadhim was at the governor's mansion to cover the planned tour of the city when a car bomb went off. He died on the spot and became the fourth journalist to be killed in Iraq since the start of the year after the deaths of Taha Jaafar  el Alaoui, Hilal al Ahmadi and Mohammad al-Hamdani.

The IFJ says the climate of insecurity in Iraq remains the main threat to journalists who are often victims of unscrupulous groups which target public events attracting media interest.

The Federation is calling for increased security measures to protect journalists, including basic safety training. In this regard, the IFJ organised last month in Rabat, Morocco, the first regional programme of media safety trainers to provide a pool of qualified personnel in the region who will provide journalists with the life- saving skills desperately needed in the Middle East and Arab World.

"These skills are crucial for our colleagues in the region who are exposed to terrorist attacks," added Beth Costa, IFJ General Secretary."' They allow journalists to assess the extent of the risk to their safety and take the necessary remedial action if they face danger. That is why the IFJ will continue to work with affiliates in the region to ensure our qualified trainers can train as many of their colleagues as possible."

For more information, please contact IFJ on + 32 2 235 22 07

The IFJ represents more than 600.000 journalists in 131 countries