A/HRC/20/17 Conduct of Journalists of the International Federation of Journalists, which proclaims that “respect for truth and the right of the public to truth is the first duty of the journalist.”6 B. Safety and protection of online journalists 61. Most of the offline media have developed an online alternative, and given that the Internet has become an essential and economic medium for disseminating news to a global audience, leading to an emergence of “online journalists” – both professionals and so-called “citizen journalists” who are untrained, but who play an increasingly important role by documenting and disseminating news as they unfold on the ground. Such an expansion of individuals involved in spreading information has enriched the media landscape by increasing access to sources of information, stimulating informed analysis and promoting the expression of diverse opinions, particularly in moments of crises. 62. The Special Rapporteur has already examined issues related to the right to freedom of expression on the Internet (A/HRC/17/27) and citizen journalists (A/65/284), but remains concerned about the increasing risks against individuals who disseminate information via the Internet. The killing of Mexican reporter, Maria Elizabeth Marcias Castro, whose decapitated body was found near the city of Nuevo Laredo, along with a note saying she had been killed for reporting news on social media websites, is a case in point. 63. Additionally, the Special Rapporteur is deeply concerned by harassment of online journalists and bloggers, such as illegal hacking into their accounts, monitoring of their online activities, arbitrary arrests and detention, and the blocking of websites that contain information that are critical of authorities. Such actions constitute intimidation and censorship. 64. The Special Rapporteur reiterates that the right to freedom of expression should be fully guaranteed online, as with offline content. If there is any limitation to the enjoyment of this right exercised through the Internet, it must also conform to the criteria listed in article 19, paragraph 3, of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. This means that any restriction imposed as an exceptional measure must (i) be provided by law, which is clear and accessible to everyone; (ii) pursue one of the legitimate purposes set out in article 19, paragraph 3, of the Covenant; and (iii) be proven as necessary and the least restrictive means required to achieve the purported aim. C. Impunity and prevention of attacks against journalists 65. One of the biggest challenges to ensuring the protection of journalists is impunity or the failure to bring to justice the perpetrators of human rights violations. In this regard, the Special Rapporteur has on many occasions stressed that impunity for those who attack and/or kill journalists is a central obstacle to guaranteeing the protection of journalists and press freedom, as it emboldens perpetrators as well as would-be perpetrators to attack journalists with no legal consequences. Indeed, impunity is one, if not the main cause of the unacceptably high number of journalists who are attacked or killed every year. States must recognize that in cases of violence against journalists, impunity generates more violence in a vicious cycle. 66. According to the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), in nine out of 10 cases in which journalists are murdered, the perpetrators go free. As at 20 March 2012, 565 6 See http://www.ifj.org/en/articles/ifj-declaration-of-principles-on-the-conduct-of-journalists. 11