NEWS

WIRES

OTHER

Journalist Killed During Yemen Protests

Journalist Jamal Ahmed Al-Sharab was killed in Yemen when gunmen opened fire on protesters in Sana'a, Yemen.

The head of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) today condemned the death of the journalist.

Mr. Al-Sharabi was covering the demonstration for the Al-Masdar independent newspaper.

A number of other people were also killed and dozens injured in the crackdown against the demonstrators on 18 March, the agency said.

"The killing of Jamal Ahmed al-Sharabi is an attack against the basic human right of the people of Yemen to freedom of expression."- Director-General Irina Bokova, UNESCO

According to Ms. Bokova that it is the duty of the authorities to ensure that journalists are able to carry out their professional duties in the safest possible conditions.

Earlier this week, the UN human rights office voiced alarm about the situation in Yemen, where a state of emergency has been declared and armed clashes between security forces and protesters continue.

The Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) deplored the reported killing of dozens of peaceful protestors last week, including reportedly by snipers shooting from rooftops, and stressed that all violations of human rights must be investigated and the perpetrators brought to justice.

Source: United Nations