Director-General condemns killing of journalists Leiner Montero Ortega and Dilia Contreras in Colombia

“I condemn the killing of Dilia Contreras and Leiner Montero Ortega,” said the Director-General. “The criminal use of violence to silence journalists has a devastating effect on freedom of expression. I call on the authorities to undertake an effective investigation to uncover the motives behind this crime and bring those responsible to justice.”

Contreras, director of the digital platform La Bocina and reporter for RCN Radio and Voces 89.4, and Montero, director of the radio station Sol Digital Stereo, were shot dead as they were returning home after reporting on festivities in nearby Santa Rosa de Lima. A third journalist and passenger travelling in the same car was also wounded.

UNESCO promotes the safety of journalists through global awareness-raising, capacity building and by coordinating the implementation 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:

• Clare O’Hagan, UNESCO Press Service, +33(0)145681729