Renowned journalist and documentary filmmaker John Pilger died in London at 84. His family announced his passing on X, stating that Pilger had died on December 30, 2023.
The family’s heartfelt message described Pilger as an amazing and loved father, grandfather, and partner, adding that his journalism and documentaries were celebrated around the world.
Pilger was highly regarded for his critical views on Western foreign policy and his reporting on conflicts such as the Cambodian genocide in the 1970s and the Vietnam War. He was born in Bondi, New South Wales, in 1939 and has been based in the UK since the early 1960s.
Numerous tributes have been paid to Pilger, with many describing him as a great journalist and a tower of strength. Politician George Galloway expressed his sadness at the loss of Pilger, stating that millions worldwide would feel they had lost somebody special. Piers Morgan, a fellow journalist, described Pilger as a brilliant firebrand journalist and ferocious holder of the powerful to proper account.
Stella Assange, Julian Assange’s wife, also paid tribute to Pilger, describing him as one of the greats and a consistent ally of the dispossessed. She added that he showed great empathy for the weak and was steadfast with the powerful. Pilger was one of Julian’s most vocal champions and a close friend.
Pink Floyd musician Roger Walters expressed his sadness at the loss of Pilger, stating that he was a great man and that they would carry him in their hearts forever.
Throughout his career, Pilger was highly critical of the treatment of Indigenous Australians in his home country, and he was an outspoken advocate for their rights.
Pilger’s legacy as a journalist and documentary filmmaker will continue to be celebrated worldwide, and his critical views on Western foreign policy will be remembered for years.
