Last Updated: Friday, 19 May 2023, 07:24 GMT

UNESCO chief condemns murder of Jordanian writer

Publisher UN News Service
Publication Date 26 September 2016
Cite as UN News Service, UNESCO chief condemns murder of Jordanian writer, 26 September 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/57ea57a140e.html [accessed 20 May 2023]
DisclaimerThis 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.

26 September 2016 - The head of the United Nations agency tasked with defending press freedom today expressed indignation at the killing of Jordanian writer Nahed Hattar.

"I condemn the murder of Nahed Hattar," declared Irina Bokova, the Director-General of the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). "This crime constitutes a grave attack on freedom of expression and affects Jordanian society as a whole," she added.

Nahed Hattar was shot on 25 September, outside a court where he was to face charges for sharing on social media a controversial cartoon critical of religious extremists, according to the agency.

The Director-General of UNESCO issues statements on the killing of media workers in line with resolution 29 adopted by UNESCO Member States in 1997, entitled "Condemnation of Violence against Journalists."

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