UNESCO chief condemns killing of Philippine journalist, calls for inquiry
| Publisher | UN News Service |
| Publication Date | 3 September 2015 |
| Cite as | UN News Service, UNESCO chief condemns killing of Philippine journalist, calls for inquiry, 3 September 2015, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/55e9531440c.html [accessed 6 June 2023] |
| 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. |
3 September 2015 - The head of the United Nations agency charged with promoting press freedom condemned today the killing of Philippine journalist Cosme Diez Maestrado, who was shot by unknown assailants on 27 August in Ozamiz City in the Philippines.
"Journalists are paying an unacceptable price for the fundamental right of freedom of expression," Irina Bokova, Director-General of the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), said in a statement, condemning the murder of Cosme Diez Maestrado.
Mr. Maestrado was an anchor at DXOC radio in Ozamiz City. He had survived a previous assassination attempt in November 2013, according to the International Federation of Journalists.
"I urge the authorities to spare no effort in apprehending those responsible for this crime," said Ms. Bokova.
Condemnation of Violence against Journalists, as Resolution 29 adopted by UNESCO Member States in 1997, is issued by the Director-General of UNESCO and posted on a page dedicating to journalists who were killed in the exercise of their profession. It remembers their contribution to freedom of expression, democracy and peace.
