However the nature of the attack throws into sharp focus the changing risks faced by journalists. The targeting of journalists by groups whose aim is to curb or destroy freedom of expression by murder and intimidation is not new, but the scale of what happened in Paris takes it to another level.  Previous research by INSI shows that many of the journalists murdered in recent years have been killed because they were investigating crime and corruption. Charlie Hebdo’s journalists and cartoonists were simply exercising the right to express opinions. That right sits at the heart of open and democratic societies. There are complicated questions about how journalists can protect themselves in this environment - what more media organisations have to do to secure their offices and bureaux, what can governments and law enforcement agencies do to protect individuals and their families, do journalists who are now on the front line in the fight for freedom of expression, and as we have seen are horribly vulnerable to ruthless attack, need special legal and other protections from intimidation and violence? INSI has experience and expertise in these areas that we are happy to offer as advice to any organisations or individuals seeking it. Every major news organisation in the world will be reviewing its security arrangements this week and every journalist who writes about sensitive subjects must be thinking of his or her own safety and their families’ security. This is on top of the ongoing death toll week in week out – and the increase in intimidation and arrests of journalists in countries like Turkey or Egypt. Without special pleading, it is clear that journalists are now on the front line of attacks on open and democratic societies and freedom of expression. The safety of journalists is now not just an issue for news organisations and freelancers. It has a wider social and political importance in the current climate. INSI will continue to support all initiatives to protect the right to free speech, safe reporting and commentary and to ensuring that best practice and shared information allows our members and colleagues to carry out their work securely. Richard Sambrook is INSI's chairman. AP Photo