Why do new reporters wear the press vest while reporting on another country?

Question

I dont understand whats the vest supposed to do

Arent they kinda useless in the event noones watching the vest or reading it?

Also are there consequences if they got shot or is it just a stupid vest i dont really understand !

In: 690

Answer 1

If it’s the vest i’m thinking of, there’s two reasons:

First, journalists are protected as non combatants under the geneva convention. The vest is usually bright blue and clearly identifies that person as a member of the press. So yes, shooting them *intentionally* is a war crime. The flip side to this is that a soldier can’t wear that vest, that would also be a war crime.

Second, that vest is usually kevlar and offers some limited protection against bullets & shrapnel on the off chance they get caught in the crossfire.

Typically the press vest is worn by reporters who are operating in or near active combat zones, or are embedded with military forces.