CPJ Votes to Recognize Journalists Linked to Terror Groups as Legitimate Unless Directly Involved in Violence

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), the world's largest organization of its kind often called the "Red Cross of journalism," voted 17 to 1 to maintain its policy recognizing journalists affiliated with terrorist groups such as Hamas as legitimate media professionals. This recognition stands as long as these individuals are not directly engaged in combat or inciting violence that could have immediate impact. The vote followed public criticism over CPJ's list of journalists killed in the Gaza conflict, which included dozens of Hamas military operatives and members of other terrorist organizations. Fox News was the sole media outlet to oppose the decision, while major organizations including The New York Times, Reuters, and the Associated Press supported it.