UNESCO chief denounces killing of Mexican journalist, urges investigation
4 August 2014
The head of the United Nations agency tasked with defending press freedom today denounced the killing of a Mexican
television journalist in his hometown of Guadalupe, in the north-central part of the country.
“The heinous crime that took the life of Nolberto Herrera Rodrìguez deprives the citizens of Zacatecas of a professional
voice whose duty was to keep them informed,” Director-General of the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural
Organization (UNESCO), Irina Bokova said.
Mr. Rodrìguez was working as a camera operator, editor and reporter for Channel 9 television and other media.
According to the organization, Reporters Without Borders, his family discovered his body on 29 July. Mr. Rodrìguez had
reportedly been stabbed multiple times.
The head of the UN agency called on the Mexican authorities to fully investigate and bring those responsible to justice.
In March, UNESCO launched the “World Trends in Freedom of Expression and Media Development.” The study focuses on the
latest challenges affecting media development and freedom of expression.
The report stresses the increasing number of media workers killed worldwide. According to UNESCO figures, more than 430
journalists were killed between 2007 and 2012.
Mr. Rodrìguez’s name will be added to the UN agency’s dedicated webpage for journalists.
ENDS