UNESCO condemns murder Ando Ratovonirina (Radio et Télévision Analamanga, RTA)

Mon Feb 9, 2:12 PM ET

Malagasy mourners view bodies of protestors shot and killed by security forces during anti-government protest in the capital Antananarivo, February 9, 2009. Madagascar’s defence minister resigned on Monday over the killing of 28 protesters by security forces and thousands of opposition supporters gathered to mourn the dead on the Indian Ocean island.REUTERS/Rasoanaivo Clarel Faniry (MADAGASCAR)

Mon Feb 9, 2:03 PM ET

Malagasy mourners carry caskets of protestors shot and killed by security forces during anti-government protest in the capital Antananarivo, February 9, 2009. Madagascar’s defence minister resigned on Monday over the killing of 28 protesters by security forces and thousands of opposition supporters gathered to mourn the dead on the Indian Ocean island.REUTERS/Rasoanaivo Clarel Faniry (MADAGASCAR)

Mon Feb 9, 2:10 PM ET

Malagasy mourners gather near caskets of protestors shot and killed by security forces during anti-government protest in the capital Antananarivo, February 9, 2009. Madagascar’s defence minister resigned on Monday over the killing of 28 protesters by security forces and thousands of opposition supporters gathered to mourn the dead on the Indian Ocean island.REUTERS/Rasoanaivo Clarel Faniry (MADAGASCAR)

Director-General condemns killing of Malagasy journalist Ando Ratovonirina

Paris, 16 February

The Director-General of UNESCO, Koïchiro Matsuura, has condemned the killing of Malagasy broadcast television journalist Ando Ratovonirina and called for improved safety of journalists.

 

“I condemn the killing of Ando Ratovonirina,” declared the Director-General. “Ando Ratovonirina died in the line of duty, while reporting on events that are important for the whole of Malagasy society. His loss is a blow to a profession that is essential to the fundamental human right of freedom of expression, a right that is important to each and every one of us, a right that is vital for democracy and good governance. I call on the authorities to spare no effort in ensuring the safety of journalists, even in the midst of unrest.”

Ando Ratovonirina, 25, was a reporter for the privately-owned Radio et Télévision Analamanga (RTA). He was shot dead while covering an anti-government demonstration outside the presidential palace in Antananarivo on 7 February.