NEWS

WIRES

OTHER

NATO Attack on Libyan Television Station Kills Media Workers

A recent North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) attack on Libyan State broadcasting facilities last month killed three media workers and injured 21 people.

The head of the United Nations agency entrusted with safeguarding press freedom today deplored the (NATO) attack on Libyan television station.

"Media outlets should not be targeted in military actions. The NATO strike is also contrary to the principles of the Geneva Conventions that establish the civilian status of journalists in times of war even when they engage in propaganda. Silencing the media is never a solution. Fostering independent and pluralistic media is the only way to enable people to form their own opinion." - Director-General Irina Bokova,
UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)

NATO issued a statement saying that the strike was conducted in accordance with Security Council resolution 1973 adopted in March, which authorizes the use of "all necessary measures" to protect civilians in Libya, where the regime of Muammar al-Qadhafi has conducted a military offensive against citizens seeking both greater freedoms and his removal from power.

Source: United Nations