LONDON — John Pilger, an Australia-born journalist and documentary filmmaker identified for his protection of the Khmer Rouge in Cambodia, has died, his household stated Sunday. He was 84.
A press release from his household, posted on X, previously Twitter, stated Pilger died on Saturday in London.
“His journalism and documentaries have been celebrated around the globe, however to his household he was merely essentially the most wonderful and cherished dad, grandad and companion,” the assertion stated.
Pilger, who has been based mostly in Britain since 1962, labored for Britain’s left-leaning Day by day Mirror newspaper, broadcaster ITV’s investigative program “World In Motion” and for the Reuters information company.
He received an Worldwide Academy of Tv Arts and Sciences award for his 1979 movie “12 months Zero: The Silent Loss of life Of Cambodia,” which revealed the extent of the Khmer Rouge’s atrocities. He adopted that with a 1990 documentary titled “Cambodia: The Betrayal,” which examined worldwide complicity within the Khmer Rouge remaining a risk.
He additionally received approval for a 1974 documentary trying into the marketing campaign for compensation for kids after issues have been raised about delivery defects when expectant moms took the drug Thalidomide.
Pilger was identified for his opposition to American and British international coverage, and he was additionally extremely vital of Australia’s remedy of its Indigenous inhabitants.
In newer years, he campaigned for the discharge of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, who has fought a prolonged battle in opposition to extradition to the US.
Kevin Lygo, managing director of media and leisure at ITV, described Pilger as “an enormous of campaigning journalism” who provided viewers a stage of research and opinion that was uncommon in mainstream tv.
“He had a transparent, distinctive editorial voice which he used to nice impact all through his distinguished filmmaking profession. His documentaries have been partaking, difficult and all the time very watchable,” Lygo stated.
“He eschewed comfy consensus and as a substitute provided a radical, different strategy on present affairs and a platform for dissenting voices over 50 years,” he added.
