CPJ supports calls for immediate cease-fire in Syria

New York, February, 24, 2012–The Committee to Protect Journalists supports efforts by the international community to impose an immediate cease-fire in Syria to allow for the safe delivery of humanitarian aid and a cessation of hostilities. Two journalists injured in Wednesday’s Homs attack require urgent medical attention and evacuation. The bodies of two more journalists have also been trapped in Homs since they were killed on Wednesday.

“The Syrian army must immediately cease its shelling to allow for humanitarian aid to reach the besieged city of Homs where hundreds of civilians have been killed in recent days, including three journalists,” said CPJ Executive Director Joel Simon. “For over two days now, Edith Bouvier and Paul Conroy have been injured and trapped in Homs and the bodies of Marie Colvin and Rémi Ochlik have been prevented from reaching their families.”

More than 70 countries have joined the “Friends of Syria” conference in Tunis on Friday where envoys are expected to seek an immediate cease-fire and the safe delivery of humanitarian assistance, according to news reports.