By Clayton Weimers and Hannah Feuer, RSF USA

American journalists are targeted abroad. Why is the US government doing so little in response?

August marks the double anniversary of the tragic stories of two American journalists. Ten years have passed since the kidnapping of Austin Tice in Syria, and five years have passed since the death of Christopher Allen in South Sudan. Absent a meaningful change of course, the Biden White House will be the third successive administration not to act on their behalf.

Tice and Allen, both American citizens and freelance journalists who bravely told stories of the Civil War—and had bright futures as a result—share another commonality: Both still need the public and the U.S. government to stand together. mobilize for their cause.

Tice, an award-winning journalist and veteran Marine Corps officer, was taken prisoner on August 14, 2012, while covering the civil war in Syria. US officials say they have credible intelligence. Tice is still alive, but several administrations have failed to bring Tice home.

Allen, a talented young reporter who previously covered the conflicts in Ukraine and Turkey, was killed on August 26, 2017, while covering the civil war in South Sudan. A private autopsy commissioned by his family suggests the South Sudanese military may have deliberately targeted Allen. Yet five years later, the FBI has still not agreed to investigate the potential war crime – ignoring its responsibility to American citizens killed overseas. Instead, like many perpetrators of violence against journalists, Allen’s killers operate with impunity.

The shameful inaction has set a dangerous precedent for American journalists abroad: if you are targeted for the crime of journalism, the US government will take no action to protect you.

The Biden administration has only continued this policy of passivity, most recently refusing to hold Israel accountable for the murder of Al Jazeera journalist and US citizen Shireen Abu Akleh. Even murderous tyrants [cnn.com] underline the lack of legitimacy of the United States when it comes to protecting journalists. Years after Tice’s kidnapping and Allen’s death, it seems little has changed.

Journalists like Tice and Allen, who set out to report on brutal conflicts that put their personal safety at risk, deserve the full force of the US government behind them. Without reporters on the ground in war zones, the stories of those affected may never be told. Journalists play a key role in helping to shape public opinion – documenting key battles, exposing human rights abuses and telling stories of great suffering and resilience.

On World Press Freedom Day earlier this year, the Biden administration said “we can and must do more…to hold to account those who seek to silence the voices essential to good governance.” transparent, trustworthy and responsive”.

These anniversaries provide an opportunity for Biden to heed his own advice. A proper commemoration would include not only words of support, but also concrete actions – finally asking the FBI and the Department of Justice to investigate the circumstances surrounding Allen’s death and do all they can. to bring Tice home.