UNESCO calls for safety of journalists amid killing of radio journalist in Brazil

The Director-General of UNESCO, Audrey Azoulay, today condemned the killing of radio journalist Jairo Sousa in the state of Pára in northern Brazil on 21 June.

The Director-General of UNESCO, Audrey Azoulay, today condemned the killing of radio journalist Jairo Sousa in the state of Pára in northern Brazil on 21 June.

"I condemn the killing of Jairo Sousa," said the Director-General. "I trust that the authorities will investigate this crime against a man and a profession on which society depends to nurture informed public debate, an essential component of democracy and rule of law."

Jairo Sousa was shot as he was arriving at Rádio Pérola FM where he hosted an early morning talk show, Show da Peróla. Sousa regularly denounced corruption and organized crime in his radio programmes.

UNESCO promotes the safety of journalists through global awareness-raising, capacity-building and a range of actions, notably the UN Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity.