Paris, July 13 (No.2001-83)- Two journalists - one in Angola, the other in Ukraine - have been murdered in recent days, adding their names to the long roster of media workers killed since the beginning of the year.

UNESCO Director-General Koďchiro Matsuura condemned the murders of Igor Alexandrov, 45, a Ukrainian television director investigating corruption and organized crime, who was beaten to death in Slaviansk on July 7; and Alegria Gustavo, 20, a reporter for the local branch of Rádio Nacional de Angola (RNA) who was shot in Huambo on July 8.

“At least 32 journalists have been killed around the world this year alone in attacks which are unacceptable both because of the personal tragedies they imply, and because they undermine freedom of expression without which democracy cannot survive”, said Mr Matsuura today.

Mr Matsuura concluded by urging “the authorities in both countries to investigate the deaths and bring those responsible to justice.”

According to the World Association of Newspapers (WAN) a total of 32 journalists and media workers have been assassinated since January 1, 2001 in 20 countries: Algeria, Angola, Bangladesh, China, Colombia (8), Costa Rica, France, Indonesia, Iraq, Kuwait, Macedonia, Mexico (2), Nigeria, Paraguay, Philippines (5), Serbia, Somalia, Spain, Thailand, Ukraine.

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