“I condemn the murder of photojournalist Ruben Espinosa,” the Director-General said. “Such attempts to stifle press freedom must be firmly and thoroughly investigated with the perpetrators brought to justice and punished. We must stand clearly alongside those courageous journalists who are working to keep citizens informed,” Ms. Bokova added. 

Mr. Espinosa worked for the news agencies AVC Noticias and Cuartoscuro, as well as for the investigative magazine Proceso in the southeast state of Veracruz where he covered local politics and often spoke out against the harassment of fellow journalists. 

Mr. Espinosa was found dead in Mexico City on 1 August. 

The Director-General of UNESCO issues statements on the killing of media workers in line with Resolution 29 adopted by UNESCO Member States at the Organization’s General Conference of 1997, entitled “Condemnation of Violence against Journalists.” These statements are posted on a dedicated webpage, UNESCO condemns the killing of journalists.