National Press Club Outraged at Slaying of Japanese Journalist

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Feb 02, 2015, 07:00 ET

WASHINGTON, Feb. 2, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The National Press Club deplored the slaying of Japanese journalist Kenji Goto and said the perpetrators must be brought to justice.

Japanese authorities said Sunday they believe a video depicting Islamic State militants killing Goto is authentic. Goto, who had been held hostage before his death, was a highly-regarded journalist known for compassionately recording the difficulties children and other civilians faced in war zones.

"The wanton taking of any human life is disgusting," National Press Club President John Hughes said. "The murder of such a talented, dedicated reporter is particularly deplorable because the world loses a unique perspective on the human consequences of conflicts."

Hughes called on international leaders to do all they can to hold Goto's killers accountable and to make every effort to protect journalists, particularly those in conflict zones.

News reports indicate that Goto traveled to Syria in October to try to secure the release of Haruna Yukawa, who had been taken hostage months earlier and also reportedly was recently killed.

According to the Committee to Protect Journalists, Syria has been the world's most dangerous country for reporters for more than three years, with at least 80 journalists killed.

The National Press Club is the world's leading professional organization for journalists. Founded in 1908, it is located in Washington, D.C. Through its Press Freedom Committee, the National Press Club speaks out on behalf of press freedom and transparency worldwide.

Contact: John M. Donnelly, 202-746-6020 or [email protected]

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SOURCE National Press Club