U.N. Economic, Science and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Director-General Koichiro Matsuura on Monday called for the release of BBC reporter Alan Johnston, who was abducted in Gaza almost one month ago, and whose plight draws attention to eight journalists killed since the beginning of 2007. When a journalist is abducted, the whole of society is taken hostage, said Matsuura. All too many abductions have taken place recently in Iraq and Afghanistan as well as in Gaza. Radio Free Iraq reporter Khmail Khalaf was found murdered last week after she was abducted in Baghdad, and on Sunday, the United Nations received word that Afghan journalist Ajmal Naqshbandi was murdered in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. I condemn this senseless murder unreservedly and call on the authorities to bring those responsible to justice, said U.N. special representative for Afghanistan Tom Koenigs. The rights of journalists to go about their work, free from interference or harm, should be recognized and respected by all. --More
