Director-General of UNESCO condemns murder of journalist Ahmed Muhana al-Lami in Iraq

The Director-General of UNESCO, Audrey Azoulay, has called on the Iraqi authorities to investigate the death of journalist Ahmed Muhana al-Lami, who was shot dead during a demonstration in Baghdad on 6 December.

“I condemn the use of live ammunition during the demonstration in Baghdad that led to the death of photographer Ahmed Muhana al-Lami alongside some 15 other people. I call on the Iraqi authorities to investigate this brutal attack on civilians and ensure that those responsible are brought to trial.”

News photographer Ahmed Muhana al-Lami was covering a demonstration in a public square when he was hit and injured by gunshot fire that killed him shortly thereafter in hospital.

Al-Lami, a freelance journalist, had recently published pictures of the demonstrations that have been taking place in the Iraqi capital for several weeks on social media. From 2015 to 2017, he had covered military operations that led to the reclaiming of the territory held by Daech.

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.