Russian Journalists Union Calls for Protest Against Shelling of Reporters

The Russian Union of Journalists on Wednesday urged the international community and the International Federation of Journalists to condemn the recent artillery attack against journalists in Syria, according to a statement on the union's website.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) — On Tuesday, 33 international reporters came under artillery fire in an area near the Syrian-Turkish border in the province of Latakia. Four reporters, from China, Canada, Bulgaria and Russia, suffered minor injuries.

"We call on the international community, as well as members of The International Federation of Journalists to protest and condemn the criminal actions of terrorists," the union said.

According to the organization, the attack on the journalists was an attempt to reignite the conflict that has begun to settle thanks to the enormous effort of the global community, including journalists.

"We declare that any attack on journalists is an attack on the freedom of the citizens of the world to obtain information about what is happening in conflict regions. Attacks on journalists covering the ceasefire is yet another attempt to turn a blind eye, to silence society," the union said.

Last Saturday, a cessation of hostilities came into effect in Syria, after Russia and the United States reached an agreement in February on a ceasefire between the Syrian government and opposition groups. The cessation of hostilities deal does not apply to designated terrorist organizations operating in Syria, including Daesh and al-Nusra Front.