Investigative journalist John Pilger dies at 84
Investigative journalist and renowned documentarian John Pilger has passed away at the age of 84, as confirmed by his family. Pilger, who was born in Australia, gained recognition for his extensive coverage of the aftermath of Pol Pot’s regime in Cambodia and his investigative work on the Thalidomide scandal. Pilger’s family announced his death in a statement posted on his social media page, mourning the loss of their beloved father, grandad, and partner.
Throughout his career, Pilger contributed to top media outlets such as the Daily Mirror, World In Action, and Reuters, employing his distinctive editorial voice to shed light on crucial stories. One of his notable works was the ITV film Year Zero: The Silent Death Of Cambodia in 1979, which exposed the atrocities committed by the Khmer Rouge regime. Pilger’s follow-up documentary on Cambodia, titled Cambodia: The Betrayal, earned him an award from the International Academy of Television Arts and Sciences in the 1990s.
In addition to his critically acclaimed documentaries, Pilger created the 1974 film Thalidomide: The Ninety-Eight We Forgot for ITV. This documentary focused on advocating for compensation for children affected by the side effects of the drug Thalidomide, which had caused birth defects.
Kevin Lygo, managing director of media and entertainment at ITV, praised Pilger as a pioneering figure in campaigning journalism. Lygo highlighted Pilger’s ability to offer alternative viewpoints and dissenting voices, challenging the status quo and presenting audiences with thought-provoking content.
Notably, Pilger actively campaigned for the freedom of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, who has faced legal battles and extradition attempts by the United States. Pilger showed his support by contributing to Assange’s bail.
Paying tribute to Pilger, Roger Waters, the former Pink Floyd musician and another advocate for Assange, expressed his admiration for the late journalist. Waters described Pilger as a great man and vowed to carry his memory in their hearts, drawing strength from his legacy.
Throughout his career, Pilger fearlessly criticized American and British foreign policies and shed light on the mistreatment of Indigenous Australians. His documentaries stood out for their engaging and incisive analysis, offering perspectives often absent from mainstream television.
As we mourn the loss of this stalwart journalist, our thoughts and condolences go out to John Pilger’s family, friends, and colleagues. His legacy as a courageous and compassionate storyteller will undoubtedly leave an indelible mark on the world of journalism.
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