The Director General of UNESCO, Irina Bokova, called on the Indian authorities to investigate thoroughly the death of reporter Akshay Singh in Madhya Pradesh on July 4.
"I express my condolences to Akshay Singh's family, friends and colleagues and urge the authorities to investigate his death," Bokova said.
"It is essential for rule of law and for society's right to be kept informed, that the authorities do all they can to clarify the cause of Mr. Singh's death. Reporters must be able to carry out their professional duties in a safe environment and crimes against them must not go unpunished," she added.
Akshay Singh, a TV journalist for Hindi news channel 'Aaj Tak', was investigating corruption in Madhya Pradesh when he died from what doctors in a local hospital said was a heart attack. Media reports have raised doubts about the cause of his death.
Bokova's statement is in line with Resolution 29 adopted by UNESCO Member States at the Organization's General Conference of 1997 entitled "Condemnation of Violence against Journalists".
