UNESCO chief condemns shooting death of US cameraman in Mexico
Speaking out once more in defence of freedom of the press as a crucial pillar of democracy, the head of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) today deplored the killing of a United States cameraman in a demonstration in Oaxaca, Mexico.
Speaking out once more in defence of freedom of the press as a crucial pillar of democracy, the head of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) today deplored the killing of a United States cameraman in a demonstration in Oaxaca, Mexico.
Brad Will, 36, was shot in the chest during a police attack on a demonstration of teachers and Osvaldo Ramirez, a photographer for the daily newspaper Milenio, was shot in the leg.
“Brad Will died on the line of duty and those responsible must be brought to justice to help ensure that his tragedy does not repeat itself,” UNESCO Director-General Koïchiro Matsuura said in a statement.
“It is essential for democracy and rule of law that journalists are able to report freely on all types of events. I am very concerned about the violence that has been unleashed on journalists in Oaxaca,” he added.
UNESCO has a mandate to defend freedom of expression and press freedom, and Mr. Matsuura has issued frequent condemnations of the murder of journalists around the world.