Vigil for journalist at ABC Melbourne

A silent vigil was held outside ABC Melbourne studios yesterday to remember freelance journalist and filmmaker Roshdi Sarraj, who was killed in Gaza last week.

Sarraj had filed for ABC but his passing was only briefly acknowledged by the programme in a closing remark by host Sarah Ferguson.

Statement by the MEAA ABC House Committee: “The ABC House Committee extends their deep condolences to the family of freelance journalist and filmmaker Roshdi Sarraj, who was killed in Gaza on October 22 during an airstrike. Mr Sarraj, who was working for the ABC shortly before his death, is among at least 23 journalists killed in the conflict since October 7. The ABC House Committee calls on all sides to respect the role of journalists and to avoid civilian casualties. Journalists working for the ABC in these dangerous situations deserve the ABC’s support.”

Around 150 supporters from Free Palestine Melbourne called on ABC to to “properly honour” Sarraj.

2/2#RoshdiSarraj was committed to telling the world about the situation in Gaza.

His company @AinMedia worked w numerous media companies.

At least 23 journalists have been killed since Oct 7.#RIP Roshdi Sarraj https://t.co/m3ACKuW98R. pic.twitter.com/5RukNc0K2c

— Norman Hermant (@NormanHermant) October 23, 2023

Today we remember Roshdi Sarraj, a Palestinian journalist who was killed last week by Israeli air strikes. Roshdi, who reported for outlets including the ABC is one of 31 journalists who have been killed in this terrible conflict and we pay tribute to them all #pressfreedom pic.twitter.com/FuwjU0S6up

— Adam Portelli (@PortelliAJ) October 31, 2023

A number of media workers have also been reported missing and unaccounted for.

MEAA urges Australian audiences to respect the traumatic and dangerous job of journalists working for Australian media outlets who are taking great risks to bring us news from Gaza.

“We demand all Australian media outlets not place their staff in danger and to provide them with professional safety equipment and support. No story is worth the life of a journalist.”