Paris, September 10, 2020 (PPI-OT): 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,” said the Director-General. “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.”
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.
For more information, contact:
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
Islamabad, Pakistan
UAN: +92-51-111-710-745
FAX: +92-51-2600250
UNESCO Office, Serena Business Complex,
7th Floor, Sector G-5, Islamabad
Email: islamabad@unesco.org
Website: http://www.unesco.org.pk/