UNESCO DIRECTOR-GENERAL CONDEMNS MURDER OF CAMBODIAN EDITOR

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UNESCO DIRECTOR-GENERAL CONDEMNS MURDER OF CAMBODIAN EDITOR

Paris, 22 May - UNESCO Director-General Federico Mayor today condemned the murder of a Cambodian editor and publisher.

A funeral procession was held today for Thun Bunly, editor and publisher of Odom Katek Khmer (Khmer Ideal), who was killed in a drive-by shooting on Saturday morning in central Phnom Penh.

"Today we mourn the loss of Thun Bunly who bravely tried to contribute to a pluralistic press in Cambodia," Mr Mayor said. "The murder of any journalist is a setback for democracy which cannot begin to exist without a truly informed electorate. As Cambodia makes the transition to peace and democracy, it is especially important that journalists be allowed to practice their profession freely, without intimidation, without fear of reprisal. I strongly urge a full and immediate investigation into the murder of Thun Bunly. I extend my most sincere condolences to his family, friend and colleagues."

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