The Director-General of UNESCO, Irina Bokova, today voiced grave concern over the safety of journalists in Iraq following confirmation of the killing of Raed al-Juburi in Baghdad and Thaer Al-Ali in Mosul.
“I condemn the killing of Raed al-Juburi and Thaer Al-Ali,” said the Director-General. “The safety of journalists in Iraq is a source of grave concern. Iraqis need information to cope with the challenges they face and plan a better future for themselves and for their country. I call on all parties to respect the civilian status of journalists and their right to carry out their work.”
Raed al-Juburi, a presenter on Al-Rasheed television and columnist for Azzaman newspaper, was found dead from gun wounds in his home in Baghdad on 5 May.
Al-Ali, editor-in-chief of the independent Mosul daily Rai al-Nas was shot dead on 26 April, according to the Iraqi Journalists Syndicate.
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.