Latest killing raises UN concern about safety of journalists in Guatemala

The head of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) today voiced concern about the safety of journalists in Guatemala following the killing of a veteran radio personality in Zacapa.

“I condemn the killing of Luis de Jesús Lima and call on the authorities to do all in their power to bring the culprits of this crime to trial,” Director-General Irina Bokova said in a news release.

“Letting violence against journalists go unpunished is detrimental to media professionals’ ability carry out their work; it undermines both freedom of expression and freedom of information.”

Mr. Lima, 68, a journalist and broadcaster at Radio Sultana Zacapata, was shot dead on 6 August as he was arriving to the station where he hosted a popular programme of music and interviews with local personalities.

He is the third journalist killed in Guatemala this year, according to UNESCO, the UN agency tasked with defending press freedom worldwide.