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Mortar Attack Kills Two Photojournalists in Libya

Two photojournalists today were killed in a mortar attack in while on a reporting mission in the Libyan city of Misrata two days ago.

The head of the United Nations agency tasked with protecting the freedom of the press today deplored the deaths of two photojournalists.

Irina Bokova, the Director General of the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), said photographer Tim Hetherington and filmmaker Chris Hondros, who died on Wednesday, had paid the ultimate price for their bravery and commitment to their profession.

"Their deaths serve as a tragic reminder of the dangers of this profession, and, at the same time, the critical role of the media in providing accurate and timely information on events that impact on so many lives and influence the course of history."-Ms. Bokova

Two other photojournalists, Guy Martin and Michael Christopher Brown, were seriously injured in the same attack.

"I wish Guy Martin and Michael Christopher Brown a speedy and complete recovery from their injuries."-Ms. Bokova

Mr. Hetherington, 40, was a seasoned photojournalist who contributed photographs to US magazine Vanity Fair. Mr. Hondros, 41, an award-winning United States war photographer, worked for the photo news agency Getty Images. His pictures appeared in many magazines and newspapers, notably on the front page of the Washington Post on 20 April.

Source: United Nations