UNESCO Director-General condemns Kabul attack on media crew that claimed the lives of Mir Wahed Shah and Shafiq Amiri

Audrey Azoulay, the Director-General of UNESCO, has condemned the killing of journalist Mir Wahed Shah and technician Shafiq Amiri in a bomb attack on their minibus in the Afghan capital on 30 May.

“I condemn the attack that claimed the lives of journalist Mir Wahed Shah and television technician Shafiq Amiri,” said the Director-General. “I wish a complete recovery for those who were injured in this criminal attack on a media vehicle. The targeting of media personnel contravenes international law, and undermines society as a whole. I urge the authorities to spare no effort in bringing the culprits of this crime to justice, as a necessary step to improve the safety of journalists in Afghanistan, uphold media freedom, and support informed public debate.”

Economics reporter Mir Wahed Shah and television technician Shafiq Amiri, both employees of local broadcaster Kurshid TV, were killed when the company vehicle they were travelling in with other employees of the privately-owned broadcaster was hit by a bomb. ISIL extremists have claimed responsibility for the attack on the vehicle that injured at least six other television employees.

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.