The Director-General of UNESCO, Irina Bokova, today called on the authorities to investigate the murder of television journalist Hamilton Hernández Vásquez.
“I condemn the killing of Hamilton Hernández Vásquez,” the Director-General said. “It is essential for the safety of journalists in Guatemala that the authorities investigate this crime and bring its perpetrators to trial,” Ms Bokova added.
Hernández Vásquez, a journalist and presenter with Guatemala’s Channel 5 television, was killed along with his wife on 5 November 2016 near the town of Coatepeque.
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.