Press release

Director-General condemns murder of journalist Güngör Arslan in Turkey

observatory_map_journalist
UNESCO
PR/24
February 24, 2022
Last update: March 1, 2022

Director-General of UNESCO Audrey Azoulay has urged an investigation into the killing of online publisher and editor Güngör Arslan in the Turkish city of Izmit on 19 February.

I condemn the killing of Güngör Arslan. The use of violence to silence journalists undermines the media’s ability to carry out their important work keeping the public informed. I therefore urge the authorities to spare no effort in investigating this crime to ensure that everyone responsible is brought to justice.
Audrey Azoulay UNESCO Director-General

Güngör Arslan, publisher and editor of local news site Ses Kocaeli, died in hospital shortly after he was shot outside his office. He had received repeated threats in connection with his reporting on corruption, bribery, and clientelism and in April 2020 armed assailants opened fire on the offices of his website.

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

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