UNESCO chief deplores killing of young Iraqi journalist

The head of the United Nations agency tasked with defending press freedom today condemned the murder of 18-year-old Mazen Mardan al-Baghdadi, the fifth journalist to be killed in Iraq this year.

Mr. al-Baghdadi was reportedly shot outside his home in the northern city of Mosul on Sunday, according to a news release issued by the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

He had been working as a reporter for the Al-Mosuliya television station for the past seven months, presenting two talk shows – “Sabah al-Kheir” (Good morning) and “Al-Mosul fi Isbou” (Mosul in a Week).

“In carrying out his professional duties, he helped to uphold the basic right of freedom of expression,” said UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova.

“I call on the authorities in Iraq to investigate this grave incident and bring the perpetrators to justice.”