UNESCO chief urges investigation into murder of television broadcaster in Honduras

The head of the United Nations agency mandated to defend freedom of expression and press freedom has denounced the killing of broadcaster Reynaldo Paz Mayes in the Honduran city of Comayagua last week and called for a thorough investigation into the case.

“I condemn the murder of Reynaldo Paz Mayes,” Irina Bokova, Director-General of the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), said in a news release issued today in Paris.

“The authorities must investigate this crime, establish its motives, and bring its perpetrators to justice. This is important for all members of Honduran society who, like people everywhere, require free, diverse and independent media to make well informed decisions,” she added.

Mr. Paz Meyes – the founder of a small local television channel, RPM TV Canal 28, and the host of a news programme – was shot dead while exercising in an outdoor sports complex on 15 December. He was reported to have received anonymous death threats over a long period of time.

Ms. Bokova issues statements on the killing of media workers in line with Resolution 29 adopted by UNESCO Member States at the Organization’s 1997 General Conference entitled “Condemnation of Violence against Journalists.”

These statements are posted on a webpage condemning the killing of journalists.