UNESCO chief 'categorically condemns' murder of US journalist in Moscow

The head of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization today “categorically condemned” the murder of Paul Klebnikov, chief editor of the Russian edition of Forbes magazine, who was killed last week in Moscow.

“This crime can only revolt all those who defend press freedom,” UNESCO Director-General Koïchiro Matsuura declared. “I hope that the Russian authorities will do their utmost to pursue those responsible.

“The punishment of Paul Klebnikov’s killers would send a strong signal to all those who use violence in an attempt to muzzle the quality press, which is as indispensable in Russia as it is elsewhere,” he added.

Mr. Matsuura recalled the resolution adopted by UNESCO’s General-Conference in 1997 urging legal action against the perpetrators of such acts and an end to impunity for crimes against journalists.

Mr. Klebnikov, 41, was appointed chief-editor of the Russian edition of the influential economic magazine earlier this year and, according to diverse sources who have linked his murder on 9 July to his work as a journalist, his life had recently been threatened.