Constraints on press freedom must be lifted in Honduras, says UNESCO chief

The head of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) today called for restrictions on press freedom to be lifted in Honduras, where President José Manuel Zelaya Rosales was ousted by the military last month.

“I am deeply concerned about reports of restrictions on the media and harassment of journalists in Honduras,” said UNESCO Director-General Koïchiro Matsuura.

“In situations of crisis, it is especially important to ensure that the media can report freely and without intimidation,” he added.

Since Mr. Zelaya was forced from office on 28 June, human rights and press freedom organizations have reported severe restrictions on news media by blocking cable television transmissions and Internet access, as well as arrests of and attacks on journalists, according to a UNESCO press release.

Mr. Matsuura also condemned the killing, apparently unrelated to recent political events in Honduras, of Gabriel Fino Noriega, a radio reporter, in San Juan Pueblo in the country’s north.

The reporter was shot on 3 July by an unidentified gunman as he left Radio Estelar, a local station on which he presented a daily news programme. He was also the local correspondent for Radio América, a national radio station.

“Using violence to silence journalists constitutes an intolerable attack on the fundamental human right of freedom of expression and on the whole of society’s ability to enjoy human rights,” the UNESCO head said.