UNESCO chief denounces killing of media workers in Pakistan

JournalismPakistan.com | Published: 14 September 2015

The UNESCO Director-General has denounced the killings of two media workers in Pakistan. She emphasized the need for safety in journalism and thorough investigations.
Summary

The head of the United Nations agency tasked with defending press freedom has denounced the recent killing of two media workers in Pakistan, and called for an investigation into both cases. “Violence and fear must not be allowed to prevent journalists and media workers from doing their work,” Irina Bokova, Director-General of the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), said in a news release, following the killing of Geo News technician Arshad Ali Jaffery, and journalist Aftab Alam. “The safety of journalists and media workers is an essential condition for the press to keep the public informed. It is important that the authorities investigate these cases and bring those responsible for them to trial.” Jaffery was killed on September 8 in Karachi when gunmen fired on a broadcast van in which he was working. The folloqwing day, Alam, who had reported for a number of news outlets including Geo News and Samaa TV, was shot while driving his car near his home in Karachi.

Key Points

UNESCO chief Irina Bokova calls for investigations into the killings of media workers.
Arshad Ali Jaffery was killed on September 8 in Karachi.
Journalist Aftab Alam was shot and killed the following day.
Violence against journalists poses a threat to press freedom.
Authorities must bring the perpetrators to justice.

Relevant Topics

UNESCO

Media Workers

Pakistan

Press Freedom

Irina Bokova

Investigations

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