UNESCO deplores killing of outspoken Peruvian radio presenter
| Publisher | UN News Service |
| Publication Date | 9 May 2011 |
| Cite as | UN News Service, UNESCO deplores killing of outspoken Peruvian radio presenter, 9 May 2011, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/4dc8d510c.html [accessed 21 May 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. |
The United Nations agency tasked with promoting press freedom today voiced its condemnation of the murder of an outspoken Peruvian radio news presenter who had criticized local authorities in the north of the Andean country.
Julio Castillo Narváez, the host of a news programme on Ollantay Radio in the city of Virú, was shot dead last Tuesday - which was also World Press Freedom Day - by unknown assailants.
Irina Bokova, the Director-General of the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), issued a statement deploring the killing and urging authorities to investigate the crime and bring the culprits to justice.
"This crime is an attack on the basic human right of journalists and citizens to speak their mind and hold free debates about issues that concern them," Ms. Bokova said.
"The tragedy of this killing is made all the more poignant for occurring on a day dedicated to the celebration of press freedom."
Mr. Castillo was renowned for his criticism of local authorities and had received repeated death threats before he was slain, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists.
