Top UN official deplores murder of Filipino broadcaster
| Publisher | UN News Service |
| Publication Date | 19 August 2008 |
| Cite as | UN News Service, Top UN official deplores murder of Filipino broadcaster, 19 August 2008, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/48b287cc14.html [accessed 22 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 head of the United Nations agency tasked with defending freedom of expression and press freedom has condemned the murder of a radio broadcaster who was shot dead on his way home in Roxas City, in the Philippines.
Martin Roxas, a 32-year-old radio broadcaster and programme director of dyKR-Radio Mindanao Network (RMN), was murdered on 7 August.
He had just finished his show, Targetanay sa Ugto ("Targeting at Noon"), and was on his way home when he was shot by a gunman on a motorcycle.
"The perpetrators of such crimes are undermining the fundamental human right of freedom of expression, which is a cornerstone of democracy," said UNESCO Director-General Koïchiro Matsuura.
"I trust the Philippines authorities will spare no effort in tracking the murderers of Mr. Roxas and bringing them to trial," he added.
According to the Manila-based Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility (CMFR), Mr. Roxas - who had been investigating irregularity in local government - was the fourth journalist killed this year in the country.
