UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay has called for an investigation into the murder of Marlon Carvalho Araújo in the town of Riachão do Jacuípe in Brazil’s northeastern state of Bahia.

“I condemn the killing of Marlon Carvalho Araújo,” said the Director-General. “I call on the authorities to investigate this murder and ensure that its perpetrators are held to account. Journalists must be able to report on issues of public interest and continue playing their role as the watchdogs of democracy and good governance without having to fear for their safety.”

Marlon Carvalho Araújo—a reporter and presenter with radio broadcasters Gazeta and Jacuípe—was killed in his home on 16 August.

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.

See also: UNESCO condemns the killing of journalists.

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