A special Freedom Walk to commemorate the 408 journalists across the world who have died in the service of their profession in the last three years was held in Dublin this evening.

Around 300 journalists from around the world involved in the International Federation of Journalists’ (IFJ) World Congress took part in the moving Stand Up For Journalism Freedom Walk, from Dubh Linn Garden to Dublin City Hall.

Delegates carried 408 carnations, one for each journalist who has lost their life over the last three years.

Commenting on the commemoration event, IFJ General Secretary, Beth Costa, said: “This Freedom Walk demonstrates our solidarity with those who have died because they were journalists.

“In saluting the men and women who have died because of their profession we also show our commitment to the profession of journalism and send a clear signal that the IFJ is vigilant in defence of journalists and journalism.”

The event, which also demonstrated the IFJ’s commitment to media diversity and freedom, began with a symbolic wreath laying at the Veronica Guerin monument, in Dubh Linn Garden at Dublin Castle.

Veronica Guerin was an Irish crime reporter who was murdered on 26 June 1996 by drug lords because of the stories she wrote for Irish newspaper the Irish Independent exposing their criminal activity.

This was then followed by the Freedom Walk involving all 300 delegates through the streets of Dublin, from Dubh Linn Garden to Dublin City Hall.

Seamus Dooley, General Secretary, NUJ Ireland, said: “This Freedom walk not only commemorates those men and women who have died in service of their profession, but also underlines our commitment to diversity and pluralism in journalism across the world.”