Call For Investigation into Death Of Honduran Journalist

UNESCO Chief Calls For Investigation Into Death Of Honduran Journalist
New York, May 15 2012 11:10AM

The head of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) today called for an investigation into the killing of Erick Martínez Ávila, a Honduran journalist and gay rights activist

“I condemn the murder of Erick Martínez Ávila,” UNESCO’s Director-General, Irina Bokova, said in a news release. “I am deeply concerned about this second journalist killed in Honduras in a month and call on the authorities to bring to justice the perpetrators of this crime against the basic human right of freedom of expression.”

Mr. Martínez Ávila, 32, was a spokesman for Kukulcán, an organization that defends lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights. According to Reporters Without Borders, his body was found on 7 May, two days after he had been reported missing. He is said to have been strangled.

“Freedom of expression is the cornerstone of democracy and rule of law and it is essential that journalists be allowed to contribute freely to political and social debate,” Ms. Bokova added.

According to UNESCO, the UN agency charged with defending freedom of expression and press freedom, 19 journalists and media workers, including Mr. Martínez Ávila, have been killed in Honduras since 2009.

In 2010, UNESCO supported training workshops in legal aspects of freedom of expression, access to information and election reporting for 140 journalists and media officers in the Honduras.
May 15 2012 11:10AM
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For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news

ENDS

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