UNESCO chief condemns killing of Pakistani journalist

UNESCO chief condemns killing of Pakistani journalist

2011-03-01 08:54:37 GMT+7 (ICT)

UNITED NATIONS (BNO NEWS) -- The head of the United Nations (UN) agency tasked with protecting the freedom of expression on Monday condemned the killing of a Pakistani journalist in the south-western province of Balochistan, and voiced concern over the safety of media professionals in the country.

Journalist Abdost Rind, who had been working for an Urdu language newspaper, the Daily Eagle, is reported to have been shot repeatedly by unidentified assailants on February 18 while on his way home from work.

"The killing of Abdos Rind raises further concern over the ability of media workers in Pakistan to exercise the fundamental human right of freedom of expression," said the Director-General of the UN Scientific, Educational and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), Irina Bokova.

Rind's death marks the second media worker killed in Balochistan this year, according to the International Federation of Journalists.

According to press freedom advocacy group, Reporters Without Borders, a total of eleven journalists were killed in Pakistan last year, making it the most dangerous place in the world for the profession.

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