Australian journalist and documentary maker John Pilger has died aged 84, his family has said.
In a statement posted on social media, his family said Pilger had died on Saturday in London.
“His journalism and documentaries were celebrated around the world, but to his family he was simply the most amazing and loved dad, grandad and partner. Rest in peace,” the statement added.
Pilger, best known for his work covering the aftermath of Pol Pot’s regime in Cambodia, was an outspoken critic of American and British foreign policy throughout his career.
Born in New South Wales, he was also a critic of the treatment of indigenous Australians.
He also campaigned for the release of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange.
During his career, Pilger worked for the Daily Mirror, ITV‘s former investigative programme World In Action and Reuters.
In 1974, he made the documentary Thalidomide: The Ninety-Eight We Forgot, after concerns were raised about birth defects when expectant mothers took the drug.
Five years later, his film Year Zero: The Silent Death Of Cambodia revealed the extent of the Khmer Rouge’s crimes in the country.
The follow-up documentary Cambodia: The Betrayal won Pilger an International Academy of Television Arts and Sciences award in the 1990s.
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Kevin Lygo, managing director of media and entertainment at ITV, said Pilger was a “giant of campaigning journalism”.
“He had a clear, distinctive editorial voice which he used to great effect throughout his distinguished filmmaking career. His documentaries were engaging, challenging and always very watchable,” he said.
“John’s films gave viewers analysis and opinion often not seen elsewhere in the television mainstream. It was a contribution that greatly added to the rich plurality of British television.
“Our thoughts and condolences are with John’s family, friends and colleagues at this sad time.”
