UNESCO Director-General urges investigation into the death of journalist Samuel Wazizi in Cameroon

The Director-General of UNESCO, Audrey Azoulay, has called on the authorities of Cameroon to investigate the death in detention of broadcast journalist Samuel Wazizi who had been imprisoned since 2 August 2019.

“I am deeply concerned about the circumstances surrounding the death of Samuel Wazizi,” said the Director-General. “I call on the authorities to shed light on the events that led to Wazizi’s demise and ensure that any contravention to his rights as a journalist and as a detainee are brought to justice.”

According to reports published on 2 June, Wazizi, a presenter on Chillen Media Television (CMTV), died in a military hospital in Yaoundé. The date of Wazizi’s death has not been announced. He had had no contact with his lawyer, family or friends since his arrest.

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.