“Such attempts to stifle press freedom must be firmly and thoroughly investigated with the perpetrators brought to justice and punished,” Irina Bokova, Director-General of the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), said in a news release.

“We must stand clearly alongside those courageous journalists who are working to keep citizens informed,” she added.

Espinosa worked for the news agencies AVC Noticias and Cuartoscuro, as well as for the investigative magazine Proceso in the south-eastern state of Veracruz, where he covered local politics and often spoke out against the harassment of fellow journalists.

Statements issued by the Director-General on the killing of media workers are posted on a dedicated webpage, UNESCO condemns the killing of journalists.

Photo: Jean-Marc Ferré