UNESCO deplores murder of independent Rwandan journalist

The United Nations agency tasked with promoting press freedom today condemned the assassination of a prominent independent journalist from Rwanda, who was gunned down outside his home in the capital, Kigali.

Jean-Léonard Rugambage, the editor of the bi-monthly Umuvugizi, died on 24 June after being shot at close range near his home in Kigali’s Nyamirambo district.

According to media reports, two men have been arrested in connection with his murder.

Also known as the “Sheriff,” Mr. Rugambage served as well as a correspondent for Rwanda Journalists in Danger, a non-governmental organization (NGO) based in the neighbouring Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

Irina Bokova, Director-General of the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), issued a statement condemning the “heinous crime,” which she said represents “a blow to the fundamental right of freedom of the press.”

Ms. Bokova called on Rwandan authorities to do everything possible to bring the perpetrators of the killing to justice.

UNESCO, which is headquartered in Paris, is the only UN agency mandated to defend freedom of expression and freedom of the press.