UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay has called for an investigation into the killing of Joël Musavuli and his wife in their home in Rutshuru, a town in the province of North Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo, in the early hours of 14 August.
I condemn the murder of Joël Musavuli and his spouse. I trust the authorities will investigate this crime and bring its perpetrators to justice. Journalists must be able to do their job without fearing for their safety and for that of their loved ones.
Joël Musavuli, a broadcaster with national radio and television RTNC, and his wife were fatally injured by unknown machete wielding assailants. The journalist is reported to have received threats over two years in connection with his reporting on human rights issues and on the Ebola virus.
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