Press Freedom Group: Journalists Have Become 'Pawns' In Syria's Conflict

Press Freedom Group: Journalists Have Become 'Pawns' In Syria's Conflict

James Foley's beheading by militants is shining more light on the danger that journalists covering the civil war in Syria face.

The Committee To Protect Journalists declared Syria the most dangerous place in the world for journalists, even before members of Islamic State (formerly known as ISIS) killed Foley. He was the 70th journalist killed in Syria since the conflict there began, according to the CPJ's count. The organization said it believes IS is holding at least seven other journalists, and Journalists are routinely abducted. At least 20 are still missing in Syria.

Courtney Radsch, CPJ's advocacy director, joined HuffPost Live on Thursday to talk about the threats facing journalists in Syria. "We know that ISIS and those militants have targeted journalists," she said. "They clearly are using them as pawns in their conflict and it's incredibly dangerous."

She added, however, that she believes war reporters will continue to expose what is happening in Syria. "I don't think that's going to deter people who really believe in the right of access to information and the vital importance that being able to report on this conflict plays... from going," Radsch continued. "But journalists need to be prepared when they do go."

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