UNESCO chief condemns killing of journalist Azerbaijan, calls for investigation
| Publisher | UN News Service |
| Publication Date | 12 August 2015 |
| Cite as | UN News Service, UNESCO chief condemns killing of journalist Azerbaijan, calls for investigation, 12 August 2015, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/55cc599040b.html [accessed 6 October 2022] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
12 August 2015 - The head of the United Nations agency charged with promoting press freedom condemned today the killing of Azerbaijani journalist Rasim Aliyev, who died in the capital, Baku, on 9 August, asserting that "impunity for crimes against journalists cannot be allowed to take root."
In a statement, Irina Bokova, Director-General of the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), condemned the attack, saying that the authorities must ensure that those responsible for the death of Mr Aliyev are brought to justice.
"This is essential to protect the rule of law and press freedom."
Thirty-year-old Rasim Aliyev, a freelance contributor to several independent news websites, died in the hospital from injuries received when he was beaten by several assailants on 8 August. Mr. Aliyev, who chaired the Baku-based Institute for Reporters' Freedom and Safety, is reported to have requested police protection following threats on his life.
