UNESCO Chief Condemns Murder of Russian Journalist
New York, Aug 4 2006 1:00PM
For the second time in as many days, the Director-General of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural
Organization (UNESCO) has condemned the killing of a journalist, this time a Russian investigative reporter.
Yevgeny Gerasimenko, a correspondent for the independent weekly Saratovsky Rasklad, was found dead in his apartment in the southeastern Russian city of Saratov on 26 July. According to the Committee to
Protect Journalists (CPJ), Gerasimenko’s colleagues believe his death may be connected to his investigation of a local
corporate takeover.
Mr. Gerasimenko was found with a plastic bag over his head and multiple bruises on his body, the CPJ said. Police
reported no signs of violent entry in the apartment, but local reports said the reporter’s computer was missing.
“I am deeply concerned about this murder and trust that the authorities will spare no effort in finding the culprits of
this heinous crime against democracy and rule of law,” said UNESCO Director-General Koïchiro Matsuura.
At least 12 journalists have been killed in the Russian Federation since 2000, according to the CPJ.
“It is important for the whole of society that the fundamental human right of freedom of expression be respected and
that such crimes do not go unpunished,” said Mr. Matsuura, who just yesterday condemned the killing of 73-year-old
Ajuricaba Monassa de Paula, a freelance journalist and longtime municipal government critic who was beaten to death in
Brazil late last month.
ENDS