UNESCO boss condemns journalist's murder

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 14 January 2014

Irina Bokova, the Director General of UNESCO, has condemned the murder of Zakir Ali, a journalist in Sindh. She urged authorities to ensure those responsible are prosecuted.

Summary

The Director General of UNESCO, Irina Bokova, has denounced the murder of journalist Zakir Ali, also known as Shan Dahar (picture), in Larkana (Sindh), and urged the authorities to prosecute those responsible for the killing.

“I condemn the murder of Zakir Ali,” said Ms Bokova. “It is important that no effort be spared in seeking out those responsible for this crime. Attacks on journalists and media workers represent a serious attack on citizens’ right to be kept informed.

"Press freedom and freedom of expression depend on the ability of journalists to carry out their work without fearing for their lives. Such crimes must not go unpunished.”

Zakir Ali, the bureau chief of news channel Abb Takk TV, was shot on his way home on evening of 31 December and died in hospital in the early hours of January 1.

KEY POINTS:

• Zakir Ali was the bureau chief of Abb Takk TV.
• He was shot on December 31 and died on January 1.
• UNESCO calls for immediate action against attacks on journalists.
• Press freedom is essential for citizens' right to information.
• Bokova emphasizes the importance of protecting journalists' safety.