Paris, 7 January—The Director-General of UNESCO, Audrey Azoulay, has condemned the killing of broadcast journalist Pedro Arcángel Canelas in the municipality of Dulce Nombre de Culmí, in the state of Olancho (Honduras), on 19 December 2020.
I condemn the murder of Pedro Arcángel Canelas. I trust that the authorities will investigate this killing and bring its perpetrator to justice. Governments must uphold the inalienable human right of freedom of expression and oppose the illegal use of violence against journalists, wherever and whenever it occurs.
Canelas, reported on political and social issues for several local radio stations including FM Radio Bambi, which he owned. He was shot by an unidentified gunman riding a motorcycle.
UNESCO promotes the safety of journalists through global awareness-raising, capacity building and a range of actions, notably in the framework of the UN Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity.
See also: UNESCO observatory of killed journalists
Media contact: Guilherme Canela de Souza Godoi