BREAKING: Al Jazeera cameraman killed in ambush in Libya

[pinboy3niner]

Just announced live on Al Jazeera English; no details yet except that it occurred near the Eastern city of Benghazi.

AJE Live Stream link:
http://english.aljazeera.net/watch_now/

[Desertrose]

1. Oh crap!

I am really sorry to hear this....

Gadaffi is...words fail me...he is just so horrible.

[bobbolink]

2. One more human life wasted... Children, Women, youth, cameraman.....

Martyrs, ALL.

[malaise]

3. Very sad

Guess Gaddafi learned from Bush and Cheney.

[LiberalAndProud]

4. .

[ProgressiveProfessor]

5. That is purported to be rebel held territory

[pinboy3niner]

6. He reportedly was killed by Gaddafi forces:

9:34pm:

Al Jazeera cameraman Ali Hassan Al-Jaber has been killed in an ambush near Benghazi reportedly by Gaddafi forces.

Al Jazeera chief says the network will not be silent after the death of Al-Jaber.

http://blogs.aljazeera.net/live/africa/libya-live-blog-march-12

[ProgressiveProfessor]

7. I read that...I was making a meta point that has been discussed here earlier

Not all "rebel" territory is really in revolt.

The other would be that logs, tweets, etc are never to be trusted without corroboration.

[pinboy3niner]

8. More details from AJE:

(Times are local in Libya, GMT + 2 hours)

9:40pm

At least three Al Jazeera Arabic team members were with Al-Jaber in the car when the attack occurred.

Bibah Wild Mehadi, who was sitting next to Al-Jaber, was unhurt in the attack.

Bibah said the Al Jazeera cameraman was shot with more than one bullet, one of which probably hit his heart. The attack happened on Saturday afternoon, around 4:30pm local time.



9:34pm: Al Jazeera cameraman Ali Hassan Al-Jaber has been killed in an ambush near Benghazi reportedly by Gaddafi forces.

Al Jazeera chief says the network will not be silent after the death of Al-Jaber.

http://blogs.aljazeera.net/live/africa/libya-live-blog-march-12


NOTE: On air just moments ago, the AJE anchor, in reporting this story, made reference to the Gaddafi regime's "campaign targeting Al Jazeera and its staff."

[pinboy3niner]

9. Tears for a Journalist: Change in the Middle East Comes at High Cost

Tears for a Journalist: Change in the Middle East Comes at High Cost

If I ever hear a disparaging remark against the quality of Al Jazeera journalism or the "tilts" in their coverage, I will say "shame" on that person or that Fox News commentator. Shame because Al Jazeera has been fighting hard to keep its cameras in the field and to keep its people from being hunted down by ruthless leaders that see the free press as an enemy to their power.

Tonight, while sitting in a private meeting with Wadah Khanfar, Director General of Al Jazeera Network, I saw him get called out for an emergency call. I watched his face. I eavesdropped a little -- and I instantly knew that a tragedy had happened.

What the writer didn't know at that moment was that an Al Jazeera cameraman--Ali Hassaon Al Jaber--had been ambushed and executed by Gaddafi regime forces outside the city of Benghazi in Eastern Libya just that day.

He continues:

Once most of the people in the private meeting left the room, I saw Khanfar turn to a corner of the room and start sobbing, tears running down his cheeks. I touched his shoulder and told him how sorry I was for the member of his team who had been lost. What I didn't say was murdered.

He cried. He took a deep breath. He sat down -- and then I could see that his resolve to keeping this story going was strengthened.

To do any less would dishonor his colleague and those risking so much in the field not only in North Africa now but in many rough spots around the world.

-- Steve Clemons

http://www.thewashingtonnote.com/archives/2011/03/tears_for_a_jou/

[GSLevel9]

10. it's a dangerous job... not the first reporter to die in a combat zone and won't be the last. nt

[pinboy3niner]

11. Al Jazeera has issued this statement:

Al Jazeera condemns the cowardly crime, which comes as part of the Libyan regime's malicious campaign targeting Al Jazeera and its staff.

Al Jazeera reiterates the assault can not dent its resolve to continue its mission, professionally enlightening the public of the unfolding events in Libya and elsewhere.

Al Jazeera stresses it will relentlessly prosecute and bring to justice all perpetrators and their accomplices.

http://blogs.aljazeera.net/live/africa/libya-live-blog-march-12

R.I.P. :patriot:

[Turborama]

12. Banner of condolence from the people of Benghazi

It reads: "Here and now, Libyan and Qatari blood is mixed for the sake of freedom. Our condolences go to the Qatari people and the Al Jazeera channel"

Personally, I'm furious and speechless.