Ancient Greek philosopher SocratesConsidered by some to be the greatest philosopher in history, Socrates is credited with developing the whole notion of critical reason. might have been one of the first to sacrifice his life for the sake of truth. But we still see such startling bravery today.

Earlier this year, it was reported that one in 10 journalists in Gaza have been killed since Israel launched its military attacks last year, and at least 15 journalists have been killed covering Russia's war in Ukraine.

Victoria Roshchyna, a Ukrainian journalist abducted by Russian forces in August 2023, was one of those reporters. She died in captivity on 19 September this year.

Roshchyna focused on human rights, crime and war, and wanted to bring power to account. She was described as "an intrepidFearlessly adventurous. witness to history".

Nearly 20 years ago, Anna Politkovskaya, an investigative journalist from Russia, repeatedly risked her life to report on Putin's authoritarian government. A fierce and prominent critic of the Kremlin, she was threatened, poisoned, abducted and ultimately murdered at her home in Moscow.

It is hard to believe the courage that drives such journalists to put their lives at risk to unearth the truth, and they should be remembered.

Is the truth worth a life?

Yes! Brave journalists prevent countless deaths by holding bloodthirsty regimes to account and preventing the worst war crimes from taking place.

No! Journalists should not be faced with a decision between truth and life. Telling a story, even if it is a true one, is not worth suffering or death.

Socrates - Considered by some to be the greatest philosopher in history, Socrates is credited with developing the whole notion of critical reason.

Intrepid - Fearlessly adventurous.