Press release

Director-General condemns killing of broadcast journalist Alexander Álvarez Ramírez in Paraguay

Audrey Azoulay, the Director-General of UNESCO, has condemned the murder of Alexander Álvarez Ramírez in the city of Pedro Juan Caballero on 14 February.

21 February 2023

I condemn the killing of Alexander Álvarez Ramírez. I call on the authorities to promptly launch an independent investigation to bring the perpetrators to justice. It is essential to protect journalists, safeguard press freedom, and prosecute acts of violence threatening the ability of the media to carry out their essential work.

Audrey Azoulay UNESCO's Director-General

A hitman riding a motorcycle shot Álvarez, a presenter on Radio Urundey FM, as the latter stopped at a traffic light.

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.