USA: RSF condemns the murder of Las Vegas Review-Journal reporter Jeff German
Celebrated journalist Jeff German was found killed outside his Las Vegas home on the morning of September 3. On September 7, police arrested Clark County Public Administrator Robert Telles in connection with the murder. German had previously investigated and written about misconduct in the Commissioner’s office. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) is urging the authorities to undertake a speedy and transparent investigation.
“Jeff German’s murder is truly shocking, in particular given the likelihood that he was killed in retaliation for his journalism.” said Clayton Weimers, Executive Director of RSF’s US Bureau. “That makes this not just a crime against German, but a crime against the profession itself and the ideals of a free press. We appreciate the Las Vegas police department’s swift action in arresting a suspect and urge a speedy, transparent investigation.”
Jeff German was an accomplished veteran reporter well known to Las Vegas readers for uncovering corruption and crimes committed by public officials and business leaders. German’s murder came just months after he published the findings of his investigation into misconduct in the Public Administrator’s office, including allegations that according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal that Telles “fueled a hostile work environment and carried on a relationship that impaired the office’s ability to deal with the public.” Telles, a Democrat, subsequently lost his primary election in June. German was reportedly working on a follow-up piece at the time of his murder.
The United States is ranked 42nd out of 180 countries on RSF’s Index on Press Freedom.
