It is a war crime to fire at press under international law according to the Geneva Convention and laws of war. Under Article 79 of the Fourth Geneva Convention it is stated that “Press and journalists engaged in dangerous professional missions in areas of armed conflict shall be considered as civilians” which means that they are given the same protections as civilians and should not be targeted by either belligerent forces.
It is also stated in Article 19 of the Additional Protocol I of the Geneva Convention which states that “Journalists shall be protected as civilians provided that they take no action adversely affecting their status as civilians” as well as in Article 8(2)(a)(ii) of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, which lists “wilful depriving of the rights of fair and regular trial, coercion of a persons to testify, wilfully impeding relief supplies, attacking personnel or objects involved in the humanitarian assistance or peace-keeping operations” as war crimes.
Therefore, firing at press is considered a war crime as it violates the rules and regulations set by international law.
Table of Contents
What are the 11 war crimes?
The 11 war crimes are those listed in the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court. They are:
1. Crimes against humanity – such as murder, extermination, enslavement, deportation and other inhumane acts committed against any civilian population.
2. War of aggression – an act of aggression against another state initiated without legal justification.
3. Genocide – an act committed with intent to destroy an ethnic, racial or religious group.
4. Crimes of apartheid – similar to crimes against humanity, committed in the context of an institutionalized regime of systematic oppression and domination by one racial group over any other racial group.
5. Practice of apartheid – similar to crimes of apartheid, involving the practice of inhuman acts of discrimination and segregation on national, racial, ethnic or religious grounds.
6. Ethnic cleansing – the deportation or forcible transfer of populations with the intent of changing the ethnic composition of a particular area.
7. Murder – intentional killing of people.
8. Extermination – deliberate extermination of people as part of a policy to commit genocide.
9. Rape – sexual violence typically as part of an act of war or in a military context.
10. Torture – infliction of severe physical or mental pain or suffering as a way to punish or to extract information or a confession.
11. Enforced disappearance – arrest, detention or abduction of a person or persons by government agents, followed by a refusal to acknowledge the person’s fate or whereabouts.
What are the 11 crimes against humanity?
The 11 crimes against humanity, as outlined by the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, are:
1.Extermination: The intentional infliction of conditions of life, inter alia the deprivation of access to food and medicine, calculated to bring about the destruction of part of a population.
2. Enslavement: The exercise of any or all of the powers attaching to the right of ownership over a person and includes the exercise of such power in the course of trafficking in persons, in particular women and children.
3. Deportation or forcible transfer of population: Forced displacement of the people by expulsion or other coercive acts from the area in which they are lawfully present, without grounds permitted under international law.
4. Imprisonment or other severe deprivation of physical liberty in violation of fundamental rules of international law: Arbitrary detention or confinement, often for extended periods of time, in conditions which grossly violate international standards and customarily accepted norms relating to the humane treatment of persons.
5. Torture: The intentional infliction of severe pain or suffering, whether physical or mental, upon an individual in an attempt to obtain information or a confession, to punish, intimidate, or coerce, or for any reason based on discrimination of any kind.
6. Sexual violence: Acts which cause physical, mental or psychological harm or suffering, such as rape, sexual slavery, forced prostitution, forced pregnancy, forced sterilisation, or any other form of sexual violence of comparable gravity.
7. Persecution against any identifiable group or collective: Prosecution, punishment, or discrimination, in violation of fundamental rules of international law, based on religion, ethnicity, gender, language, nationality, political or other opinion, or any other grounds.
8.Enforced disappearance of persons: Detention of persons followed by a refusal to acknowledge or give information on the fate or whereabouts of the persons concerned.
9.The crime of apartheid: Inhumane acts committed in the context of an institutionalised regime of systematic oppression and domination by one racial group over another racial group.
10.Other inhumane acts: Acts causing great suffering, or serious injury to body or to mental or physical health.
11. The crime of genocide: Intentional acts committed with the intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnic, racial or religious group. These acts include killing or causing serious bodily or mental harm to members of the group; deliberately inflicting on the group conditions of life calculated to bring about its physical destruction in whole or in part; imposing measures intended to prevent births within the group; or forcibly transferring children of the group to another group.
What are the 5 laws of war?
The five laws of war provide the legal framework for the conduct of warfare. They include the Geneva Conventions of 1949, the Hague Conventions of 1907, the UN Charter on Human Rights, the Additional Protocols to the Geneva Conventions, and customary international law.
1. The Geneva Conventions of 1949- Established rules for the humane treatment of prisoners of war and the wounded in armed conflict. It also includes an obligation of occupying power not to destroy personal and public property without necessity.
2. The Hague Conventions of 1907 – Prohibited hostilities with certain prohibited weapons like poison gas, prohibited attacks on certain targets like civilian populations, established a system of international courts, and increased the protection of civilians in times of warfare.
3. The UN Charter on Human Rights – Provides general protection to civilians in times of warfare, including a ban on torture and a requirement that individuals cannot be tried in absentia. It also prohibits forced labor, prohibits the use of children in combat, and prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, gender, or religion.
4. Additional Protocols to the Geneva Conventions – Prohibit excessive damage to the environment, prohibit taking hostages, and outlaw the use of perfidy tactics, which are tactics designed to lead to the surrender of an enemy.
5. Customary International Law- Establishes a baseline for humane and humanely legal behavior in war. It includes prohibitions against using mercenaries and other unlawful combatants, and establishes standards for protection of civilians, prisoners of war, and property.
It also requires that civilians not be forced to remain in an area likely to be affected by armed conflict.
What war crimes did the US commit?
The United States committed a variety of war crimes throughout the course of its history, particularly during its participation in various world wars.
During World War I, the US employed chemical weapons such as mustard gas and phosgene on German soldiers. The US also used chemical weapons against civilians in Belgium, and conducted bombing campaigns against civilian targets in France and Germany.
Additionally, they executed citizens in the occupied territories in France and Belgium, and forced laborers to work in violation of the Hague Convention of 1907.
In World War II, the US committed various war crimes such as bombing German cities and Japanese cities, including civilian targets. Additionally, they conducted experiments on Japanese prisoners of war, without their consent.
During the Battle of Okinawa, the US used grenades and flamethrowers in caves to kill civilian inhabitants, including women and children. Additionally, brutal interrogation techniques and mistreatment of prisoners of war were used in various Pacific islands such as the Mariana Islands.
The US was found guilty of war crimes in Korea during the Korean War. Reports suggest that American soldiers executed prisoners, tortured civilians, and destroyed villages. Additionally, they engaged in medical experiments on Korean civilians and conducted scorched earth tactics in various parts of the Korean peninsula.
Furthermore, during the War in Vietnam, the US committed numerous war crimes, such as the use of napalm bombs and chemical weapons, the bombing of civilian villages, the forced relocation of civilians, and the abuse of prisoners of war.
Additionally, there have been reports of US troops committing atrocities such as rape and murder.
The US has also committed war crimes during its war in Iraq, including torture and the abuse of prisoners of war at Abu Ghraib. Additionally, there have been reports of deliberate targeting of civilians and strikes on medical facilities.
What happens if a country commits a war crime?
If a country commits a war crime, it could be subject to legal action both at the international and national level. In some cases, criminal proceedings against persons responsible for a war crime can be initiated in an international or national court.
Additionally, countries accused of war crimes can face economic sanctions, including asset freezes, embargoes, and the suspension of international aid. War crimes can also lead to reparations from the responsible parties being imposed, either through voluntary payments or through court-imposed measures.
Additionally, a country that commits a war crime is likely to face reputational and diplomatic damage on the international stage, as most countries take a strong stance against actions that constitute war crimes.
What are the 6 general categories of crime used in the US?
The six general categories of crime used in the United States are categorized as follows:
1. Violent Crimes: These refer to offences that involve the use of physical force or the threat of violence. Examples include homicide, assault, sexual assault, robbery and kidnapping.
2. Property Crimes: These refer to crimes that involve the taking of someone else’s property without their consent. Examples include burglary, larceny, motor vehicle theft, and arson.
3. Public-Order Crimes: These refer to violations of laws that protect the moral code of a community. Examples include prostitution, drug offenses, public drunkenness, loitering, and inciting a riot.
4. White-Collar Crimes: These refer to violations of laws related to economic activities. Examples include bribery, fraud, counterfeiting, insider trading and tax evasion.
5. Organized Crimes: These are crimes committed by groups or networks of individuals in order to gain some form of financial or political gain. Examples include money laundering, racketeering and human trafficking.
6. Cyber Crimes: These are crimes that involve the use of computer networks or devices to commit illegal activities. Examples include identity theft, hacking, and phishing.
Is killing journalist a war crime?
The short answer to this question is yes, killing a journalist is considered a war crime. In fact, the targeting of journalists, and the deaths of journalists, during armed conflicts is considered a violation of international humanitarian law (IHL), and could be investigated as war crimes.
Under IHL, journalists are protected as civilians and their lives must be respected. Killing journalists in the context of armed conflict can amount to a violation of the Geneva Conventions, which prohibit the killing of civilians who do not take direct part in hostilities.
This protection applies not only to journalists reporting on the conflict but also to journalists who are providing other services like media analysis, interpretation, and technical or administrative support.
In addition to being protected under IHL, some states, like the United States, have laws that protect journalists in active combat zones. The War Crimes Act of 1996 states that those who engage in war crimes against a US national can receive the death penalty or be imprisoned for the remainder of their life.
In conclusion, killing a journalist during armed conflict is considered a war crime and is a violation of international humanitarian law. It is important that states take steps to ensure the safety of journalists by ensuring their rights are respected and any infringements upon them are investigated and prosecuted.
Are journalists protected in war?
Journalists are afforded some protection by international laws and treaties during war, such as the Geneva Conventions and the additional protocols, as well as some national laws. However, the protections are largely limited to not intentionally targeting journalists, medical personnel, and civilian populations.
The 1998 United Nations Convention on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity further establishes the roles of journalists and other media workers while in conflict zones and the responsibilities of governments to protect journalists.
The primary protection that journalists have during war is the status of being a non-combatant. This sets journalists apart from soldiers who are actively participating in or facilitating the conflict.
However, since the rules of war often do not distinguish between civilians and combatants, journalists and other non-combatants are not necessarily immune from danger in war situations. In fact, journalists have been targeted and killed during conflicts, and have been used as bargaining chips and hostages in negotiations.
Since most media coverage is often conducted from a distance, journalists are not necessarily in harm’s way in war zones. However, journalists in conflict zones should take certain safety precautions.
These include working with a well-established media organization, wearing recognizable clothing as identification, carrying press credentials, coordinating activities with other journalists, maintaining contact with local authorities, and familiarizing themselves with the laws of the country in which they are entering.
Additionally, if a journalist finds themselves targeted or threatened, they should seek assistance from the International Committee of the Red Cross.
Are journalists protected by the Geneva Convention?
No, journalists are not protected by the Geneva Convention. The Geneva Conventions are a set of international treaties, first adopted in 1949, establishing rules for the conduct of war and of humanitarian aid.
Journalists are not explicitly mentioned in the treaties and are therefore not covered by the protections they afford. However, those involved in humanitarian aid operations, such as medical staff, the International Red Cross, and journalists working for them, may be afforded some level of protection.
In some circumstances, journalists covering conflict may be protected by the Geneva Conventions as civilians not taking part in hostilities; however, such protection is not absolute or explicit. Additionally, in some conflict zones, journalists are offered special access or protection by conventions or other agreements.
Ultimately, whether a journalist is protected by the Geneva Conventions depends on their circumstances.
What is the deadliest countries for journalists?
The deadliest countries for journalists around the world is conditions are becoming increasingly dangerous for journalists in many countries as a result of armed conflicts, censorship, and a reluctance to report the truth.
According to a 2019 report from the International News Safety Institute (INSI), nine countries make up the list of the most dangerous places for journalists to work.
The top five deadliest countries for journalists are Afghanistan, Syria, Mexico, Yemen, and India. Afghanistan is especially a dangerous place for journalists due to current and ongoing political unrest.
In 2019, Reporters Without Borders reported 15 journalists had lost their lives while covering the news in Afghanistan. In Syria, due to the civil war that has been going on since 2011, the media is constantly threatened and attacked by all sides of the conflict.
Three journalists were killed in Syria in 2019, according to INSI.
In Mexico, more journalists are killed than in any other country in the world, according to Reporters Without Borders. In 2019, nine journalists were killed in Mexico, with only three convictions for the murders.
In Yemen, there is an ever-present threat of death or injury for those covering the news. In the past, Houthi forces have been accused of launching airstrikes on media outlets. India saw eight journalists killed in 2019, while covering their respective beat.
Overall, the preponderance of violence around the world coupled with the increased threats from both governments and non-governmental organizations put journalism at risk. The UN General Assembly called on states to cooperate in protecting the safety of journalists in 2018, yet the situation continues to worsen.
It is more important than ever for journalists to remain vigilant in the face of intimidation, abuse, and danger as they strive to bring the truth to the world.
How do news reporters stay safe in war zones?
News reporters covering stories in war zones face a significant risk of injury or death. As such, it is important for them to take safety precautions to ensure the safety of themselves and their crew.
First, news reporters should become familiar with the local military and political situation before visiting a conflict area. Journalists should make sure to read reports from observers and analyze the risks of entering certain areas.
Additionally, it is important to have up-to-date contact information for contacts on the ground.
Second, news reporters should consider wearing bulletproof vests and helmets when visiting war zones. Doing so can protect them from gunshots and shrapnel from bombs and shelling.
Third, news reporters should travel with a team of people who can protect and assist them during dangerous situations. It is also advisable to have the assistance of a local guide or translator who is familiar with the area and can provide advice on safe options for lodging, transportation and communication.
Fourth, news reporters should have a well-thought-out evacuation plan in case of an emergency. This plan should include a clear route of travel, a safe place to go, and basic survival supplies such as food and water.
Finally, news reports should take regular safety briefings and refresher courses on how to handle dangerous situations. It is also important to set and follow guidelines for preserving life while covering a conflict.
These guidelines should cover things such as keeping a low profile, maintaining physical distance from dangerous situations, and knowing what signs to look out for that could indicate an imminent danger.
By following these safety guidelines, news reporters can better protect themselves and their crew while covering war zones.
