The Director-General of UNESCO, Audrey Azoulay, has denounced the killing of television journalist Shaheena Shaheen in the city of Turbat, Balochistan Province, Pakistan.
I condemn the murder of Shaheena Shaheen. A free and diverse press is essential to sustainable development. To protect both freedom of expression and freedom of the media, it essential that those who use violence to silence journalists be brought to justice.
Audrey Azoulay, UNESCO Director-General
Shaheen, who hosted a talk show on state-owned Pakistan Television, was shot in her home on 5 September. She was a vocal supporter of gender equality and the empowerment of women in Balochistan.
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.
