UN official urges investigation into killing of Mexican reporter

The head of the United Nations agency tasked with defending press freedom today deplored the recent murder of Mexican reporter Alberto López Bello and called for a full investigation into his assassination.

“I condemn the murder of Alberto López Bello,” said the Director-General of the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), Irina Bokova.

This killing must be investigated thoroughly as part of the endeavour to stem violence against the media in Mexico. I trust that no effort will be spared to improve the safety of journalists seeking to carry out their professional obligation to keep the public informed.”

Mr. López Bello, 28, was found dead on 17 July in Trinidad de Viguera, in the state of Oaxaca. He was a crime reporter for the newspaper ‘El Imparcial’ (The Impartial) and had recently published stories about drug dealing in Oaxaca. He had reportedly received threats in connection with his work.

Mr. López Bello is the third journalist to be murdered in Mexico this year.