UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay has urged the authorities to investigate the killing of radio journalist Renante Cortes, who was attacked on 22 July in Cebu City, Philippines.
I condemn the killing of Renante Cortes. I call on the authorities to investigate this crime and bring its perpetrators to trial. Justice must be served to deter those who use violence to undermine press freedom.
Renante “Rey” Cortes was shot when leaving work and died upon arrival to hospital. The journalist, who often took a critical stance on local politics in the morning programme he hosted on DyRB radio, had reportedly survived a previous attack.
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