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Press release

Director-General calls for an investigation into death of journalist Francisca Sandoval in Chile

The Director-General of UNESCO, Audrey Azoulay, has called for an investigation into the death of the Chilean television reporter Francisca Sandoval who died on 12 May jn Santiago.
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UNESCO
PR
May 18, 2022
I deplore the death of Francisca Sandoval. It is both legitimate and necessary for journalists to report on events, including demonstrations, and it is the authorities’ duty to protect them. Those responsible for the killing of  Francisca Sandoval must be brought to justice
Audrey Azoulay
Audrey Azoulay Director-General of UNESCO

A reporter for local television Canal Señal 3 La Victoria, Sandoval was shot while covering demonstrations in the Chilean capital on 1 May and remained hospitalized in a critical condition until her death.

In 2020, UNESCO published a Report on Safety of Journalists Covering Protests which highlighted an upward trend in attacks on journalists covering protests, posing a significant threat to media freedom and freedom of access to information.

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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