PARIS, March 20 (KUNA) -- France expressed consternation and shock on Monday upon learning of the heavy death toll for journalists and press professionals in the past six years of conflict in Syria.
International press freedom body Reporters Without Borders (RWB) has just published figures for journalists, "citizen journalists and bloggers" who have died since March 2011 in Syria and announced a shocking figure of 211 deaths.
"France learned with consternation of the toll established by 'Reporters Without Borders' which showed 211 journalists killed in Syria since the start of the civil war six years ago," the Foreign Ministry said.
In addition, the French statement noted, there are 26 journalists in jail and 29 others have been taken hostage or have disappeared.
More than half-a-dozen of the hostages are foreign reporters, RWB confirmed.
The French Foreign ministry said that "this cost is particularly heavy and makes Syria the most murderous country for journalists and press professionals". (end) jk.hb