Dutch photojournalist Jeroen Oerlemans killed in Libya
| Publisher | Committee to Protect Journalists |
| Publication Date | 2 October 2016 |
| Cite as | Committee to Protect Journalists, Dutch photojournalist Jeroen Oerlemans killed in Libya, 2 October 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/580f6ff74.html [accessed 19 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
New York, October 2, 2016 – Dutch freelance photojournalist Jeroen Oerlemans was killed today in the Libyan city of Sirte while covering clashes between Islamic State fighters and forces loyal to the Libyan Army, according to Dutch and Libyan news outlets.
Jeroen Oerlemans, a freelance photojournalist, was killed covering clashes in Sirte, Libya. (Stanislav Krupar)
"Journalists have recently begun returning in greater numbers to Libya to cover the conflict and political upheaval but it remains an extraordinarily dangerous place," said CPJ Deputy Executive Director Robert Mahoney. "The death of Jeroen Oerlemans is a reminder that those who bring us images and video from the frontlines often pay the heaviest price."
According to CPJ research, at least 11 other journalists and 1 media worker have been killed on duty in Libya since 1992, when CPJ began keeping detailed records. All but one of those deaths came since the 2011 uprising.
Oerlemans was kidnapped and held for a week by Islamic extremists in Syria in 2012, along with British photojournalist John Cantlie. Cantlie was kidnapped again in Syria in late 2012, and has since appeared in several Islamic State videos.
A recent photo essay by Oerlemans on the fighting in Sirte was published by deVolkskrant in July 2016.
