Unesco condemns Iraqi journalist killing
Unesco condemns Iraqi journalist killing
The Director-General of UNESCO, Irina Bokova, has condemned the murder of independent journalist Sardasht Osman who was found dead in the city of Mosul on 6 May, two days after his abduction in Erbil, capital of Iraqi Kurdistan. Ms Bokova also called for an investigation into the killing.
"I condemn the murder of Sardasht Osman," declared the Director-General. "The use of violence to muzzle freedom of the press, which is founded on the basic human right of freedom of expression, cannot be tolerated and I trust that the authorities will spare no effort in pursuing those responsible for the killing of Sardasht Osman."
Sardash Osman, 23, was a reporter for Ashtiname and a regular contributor to independent news websites Sbei, Awene, Hawlati, and Lvinpress. He was also a student of English in his final year at the University of Erbil. The Committee to Protect Journalists quotes Sardash Osman’s brother as saying that the late journalist had received phone threats from people who asked him to stop publishing articles critical of the regional authorities.
"I condemn the murder of Sardasht Osman," declared the Director-General. "The use of violence to muzzle freedom of the press, which is founded on the basic human right of freedom of expression, cannot be tolerated and I trust that the authorities will spare no effort in pursuing those responsible for the killing of Sardasht Osman."
Sardash Osman, 23, was a reporter for Ashtiname and a regular contributor to independent news websites Sbei, Awene, Hawlati, and Lvinpress. He was also a student of English in his final year at the University of Erbil. The Committee to Protect Journalists quotes Sardash Osman’s brother as saying that the late journalist had received phone threats from people who asked him to stop publishing articles critical of the regional authorities.
