Renowned Investigative Journalist John Pilger Passes Away at 84
ICARO Media Group
Renowned investigative journalist John Pilger, who dedicated his career to uncovering and exposing abuses of power by governments and corporations, has sadly passed away at the age of 84. His family confirmed the news, stating that Pilger's journalism and documentaries were celebrated worldwide, but to them, he was simply a beloved father, grandfather, and partner.
Pilger is survived by his long-time partner, journalist Yvonne Roberts, as well as his two children, Sam and Zoe. The news of his passing has prompted an outpouring of tributes from supporters and colleagues, who lauded him as one of the finest journalists and a man of utmost integrity.
Born in Sydney, Australia in 1939, Pilger spent a significant part of his career in the United Kingdom, where he began working as a freelance journalist in the early 1960s. Known for his unwavering criticism of the foreign policies of the United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom, Pilger considered them to be driven by an imperialist and colonialist agenda. He notably opposed the US-led military interventions in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Throughout his career, Pilger authored books and articles, and produced numerous documentaries that shed light on atrocities around the world. Two of his significant works include "The New Rulers of the World," which exposed the West's role in the 1960s coup in Indonesia, and "The Dirty War on the NHS," a documentary investigating issues within the British health system, released in 2019.
Pilger was also known for his advocacy for marginalized groups. He frequently criticized the Australian government's treatment of the country's Aboriginal peoples and dedicated his work to raising awareness on the Palestinian cause. He was an ardent supporter of imprisoned journalist Julian Assange and actively campaigned for his freedom.
His work did not go unrecognized, as Pilger was a two-time recipient of Britain's Journalist of the Year award and received numerous accolades worldwide, including the Sydney Peace Prize in 2009. His quote, "It is not enough for journalists to see themselves as mere messengers without understanding the hidden agendas of the message and myths that surround it," serves as a testament to his unyielding commitment to uncovering the truth.
John Pilger's passing marks a significant loss for the world of journalism. His impactful investigative work, fearless storytelling, and unwavering dedication to exposing abuse of power will continue to inspire future generations of journalists to uphold integrity and seek the truth.