Director-General condemns killing of journalist Lourenço Veras in Paraguay

The Director-General of UNESCO, Audrey Azoulay, has condemned the murder of Lourenço “Leo” Veras, a Brazilian journalist based in the Paraguayan city of Pedro Juan Caballero, near the Brazilian border, on 12 February.

“I condemn the killing of journalist Lourenço Veras,” said the Director-General. “Protecting the safety of journalists is essential to the defense of press freedom and freedom of expression and I urge the authorities to ensure that the perpetrators of this crime are brought to justice.”

Lourenço Veras, manager of the Porã News website and correspondent for several Brazilian media, was shot by unidentified gunmen in his home.

UNESCO promotes the safety of journalists through global awareness-raising, capacity building and a range of actions, notably in the framework of the UN Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity.