UNESCO chief calls for investigation into murder of Ecuadorian journalist

The head of the United Nations agency tasked with defending press freedom today deplored the murder of Ecuadorian journalist Fausto Valdiviezo Moscoso and called for an investigation into the crime.

Mr. Valdiviezo, 52, was shot dead on 11 April by an unidentified man while driving his car in Atarazana, north of the city of Guayaquil.

“[Fausto Valdiviezo’s] tragic death highlights the need to protect media professionals,” said the Director-General of the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), Irina Bokova.

“I am confident that the Ecuadorian authorities will do their utmost to identify the culprits of this crime and bring them to justice. The exercise of freedom of expression is a cornerstone of democracy and the rule of law,” she added.

According to Reporters Without Borders, Mr. Valdiviezo had presented programmes for the television channels Ecuavisa, Sí TV, RTS and TC Televisión for over 30 years.

He was due to start a new programme on Teleamazonas and had survived another shooting attempt one day earlier.