Paris-based media watchdog Reporters Sans Frontiers has expressed concern over a surge in fatwas, or religious decrees, calling for the murder of journalists in Arab and Muslim countries.
"From Nigeria to Pakistan, and via Saudi Arabia, many journalists have been targeted by religious officials in recent years after writing articles or broadcasting programs viewed as 'blasphemous' and 'anti-Islamic,' " the rights group said in a statement.
Saudi Arabia's top judge, Sheikh Saleh al-Luhaidan, earlier this month sparked controversy when he said on radio that the owners of satellite networks broadcasting "immoral" programs may be killed.
He later toned down his fatwa by saying that "depraved" television owners could only be put to death after a judicial process.
"These fatwas constitute calls for murder that endanger the lives of journalists who are already working in conditions made more difficult by the delicate political context in which they have to operate," Reporters Sans Frontiers said.
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