UNESCO chief condemns killing of fifth Iraqi journalist

UNESCO chief condemns killing of fifth Iraqi journalist

2010-11-25 02:05:16 GMT+7 (ICT)

UNITED NATIONS (BNO NEWS) -- The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) tasked with defending press freedom on Wednesday condemned the murder of a young Iraqi journalist.

Mazen Mardan al-Baghdadi, 18, is the fifth journalist to be killed in Iraq this year. He was reportedly shot outside his home in the northern city of Mosul on Sunday, according to a report by UNESCO.

Mardan al-Baghdadi had been working as a reporter for the Al-Mosuliya television station for the past seven months, presenting two talk shows – "Sabah al-Kheir," which translates as good morning and "Al-Mosul fi Isbou," Mosul in a Week.

"In carrying out his professional duties, he helped to uphold the basic right of freedom of expression," said UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova. "I call on the authorities in Iraq to investigate this grave incident and bring the perpetrators to justice."

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