A number of Western governments have stepped up their condemnations of violence and brutality in Guinea. An estimated 157 died last week as government troops shot demonstrators voicing their disapproval of Captain Moussa Dadis Camara.

The Committee to Protect Journalists -- in a report out on Tuesday -- says 17 editors, reporters, photographers, columnists and a publisher have been killed in Russia since 2000. Joel Simon of CPJ discusses how the murders have impacted Russian journalism.

Campaign season has begun in Guinea-Bissau, though it is muted due to continued concern following repeated assassinations of political leaders and candidates. Marco Vernaschi of the Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting recently returned from Guinea-Bissau and describes the country's climate of violence.

The killing of Sri Lankan journalist Lasantha Wickrematunge last week was made more poignant with the release of a letter written prior to his death, in which he foretold his murder and reaffirmed his dedication to democracy and journalism despite the danger.