Iraq: top UN envoy speaks out against attacks on journalists

Strongly condemning attacks against media representatives in Iraq, a top United Nations envoy today deplored the assassination of a journalist in the war-torn nation.

Staffan de Mistura, the Secretary-General's Special Representative, expressed his condolences to the Iraqi Journalists' Union and to the family of Shihab al-Tamimi, who was killed on 23 February.

Attacks against media representatives are tantamount to “repressing press freedom and freedom of expression that are an essential component of democracy,” he said in a statement issued in Baghdad. The killing of Mr. al-Tamimi is an example of the dangers faced daily by journalists in Iraq, he added.

Expressing solidarity with all Iraqi journalists, Mr. de Mistura said the courage they display will ensure that the tragic death of Mr. al-Tamimi will not intimidate them from carrying out their vital work.