New York, September 23, 2003—The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) is saddened by the death of veteran Los Angeles Times correspondent Mark Fineman. According to The Los Angeles Times, Fineman died today of an apparent heart attack while on assignment in Iraq's capital, Baghdad.

Fineman, 51, had been waiting for an interview in the office of the Iraqi Governing Council when he collapsed after saying that he felt ill, the newspaper reported.

CPJ extends its deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Mark Fineman.

"No one took greater pleasure from his work as a foreign correspondent than Mark Fineman," said CPJ Deputy Director Joel Simon, who worked with him in Mexico. "He covered the news with speed, grace, and wit."

Since U.S.-led troops bombed Baghdad on March 19, 12 journalists have been killed in action in Iraq and another six have died as a result of accidents or ailments. Two journalists remain missing.