Press release

Afghanistan: UNESCO Director-General condemns murder of journalist Elyas Dayee

UNESCO observatory of killed journalists

2020/109

18 November 2020

Last update:20 April 2023

The Director-General of UNESCO, Audrey Azoulay, has condemned the murder of journalist Elyas Dayee on 12 November in Afghanistan and called on the Kabul authorities to allow a proper judicial investigation to be conducted.

I condemn the murder of Elyas Dayee. I trust the Afghan authorities will conduct a diligent investigation that will lead to the arrest of those responsible for this murder. Journalists are on the frontline of information. They are essential actors in our democracies and must be protected.

Audrey Azoulay, UNESCO Director-General

Elyas Dayee was killed in the explosion of his vehicle under which an explosive device had been placed, in Lashkar Gah, capital of the southern province of Helmand. Three other people were injured in the attack, including another journalist, who was the brother of the victim. Elyas Dayee had worked for more than 10 years for Radio Azadi, the local branch of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty.

UNESCO promotes the through global awareness-raising, capacity building and a range of actions, notably in the framework of the

For more information:

Media contact:

Guilherme Canela de Souza Godoi