UNESCO chief condemns murder of Indian journalist

The head of the United Nations agency tasked with promoting and defending the freedom of the press today condemned the murder of a journalist in India and called on local authorities to undertake a thorough investigation into the killing.

Freelance journalist Chandrika Rai, 43, was found dead last week along with his wife and two children in their home in the state of Madhya Pradesh.

Mr. Rai regularly published articles in newspapers in the state capital of Bhopal and, according to the International Federation of Journalists, he had recently exposed illegalities in the region’s coal trade.

“I condemn the murder of investigative journalist Chandrika Rai and his family,” said Irina Bokova, UNESCO’s Director-General, in a press release.

“It is essential for the preservation of freedom of expression and press freedom that the authorities in Madhya Pradesh make all efforts to investigate this matter and that the perpetrators of this shocking crime be brought to justice.”