Press release
Director-General urges reinforced protection for journalists following murder of television presenter EfraÃn Ruales in Ecuador
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29 January 2021
Last update:20 April 2023
Paris, 27 January—UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay, has called on the authorities to ensure that those responsible for the 27 January killing of television journalist EfraÃn Ruales in Guayaquil (Ecuador) are held to account.
I condemn the killing of EfraÃn Ruales.
I call on the authorities to hold to account those responsible for this crime. Ending impunity for crimes against journalists is central to ensuring the safety of a profession that is essential to free, informed democratic debate.
Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO
Ruales, a popular presenter for the Ecuadorian television network Ecuavisa, was shot four times by an unidentified assailant. The journalist had reported receiving threats in relation to his denunciation of alleged corruption.
UNESCO promotes the through global awareness-raising, capacity building and a range of actions, notably in the framework of the on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity.
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Media contact: Guilherme Canela de Souza Godoi
