UNESCO condemns murder of another journalist in Iraq as assault on democracy

Declaring a free and professional press essential for democracy, the head of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) today deplored the murder of yet one more journalist in Iraq – a condemnation that comes barely a month after repeating his call to all sides to give greater priority to improving reporters’ safety.

Mohammad Harun Hassan, editor-in-chief of the Nabdh Al Shabeb newspaper and Executive Secretary of the Iraqi Journalists Syndicate was shot four times by unknown attackers as he was driving his car in the centre of Baghdad on Thursday.

“This new attack on a respected newspaper editor demonstrates the fanaticism of opponents of human rights and democracy who will stop at nothing to impose their will on a society struggling to restore normal, dignified living conditions after so much suffering,” UNESCO Director-General Koïchiro Matsuura said.

“I wish to praise not only the memory of Mr. Hassan, but the brave determination of Iraqi media professionals who continue working in terrifying conditions. I call on all people of good faith in Iraq to support the media in its efforts to keep the Iraqi public and its many friends around the world informed,” he added in a statement, the latest of many by his agency, whose mandate includes the defence of freedom of expression and press freedom.

According to the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), Mr. Hassan’s death brings to 100 the number of journalists and media staff killed in Iraq since the war began there in March 2003.