The Director-General of UNESCO, Audrey Azoulay, today condemned the killing of radio journalist Joey Llana on 20 July in Legazpi City, the capital of Albay province in the Philippines.

“I condemn the murder of Joey Llana,” said the Director-General. “I urge the authorities to investigate this crime and bring its perpetrators to justice. Impunity must not be allowed to embolden those who use violence to restrict press freedom and freedom of information.”

Unknown attackers shot Llana as he was heading to work at the local radio station DWZR Zoom Radio Legazpi, where he hosted a regular programme. Llana is reported to have received threats relating to his work.

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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Media contact: Sylvie Coudray, s.coudray@unesco.org, +33 (0)1 45 68 08 91