Press release
Director-General deplores the death of journalist, poet and film maker Baktash Abtin in Iran
The Director-General of UNESCO, Audrey Azoulay, has denounced the death of writer, journalist and film maker Baktash Abtin in Iran on 8 January.
I deplore the death of Baktash Abtin. I call on the Iranian authorities to respect the rights of journalists and artists and urge them to recognize the basic human right of freedom of expression.
Baktash Abtin died from COVID-19 related complications while serving a six-year prison sentence. Reports suggest his treatment was delayed and that this may have been a factor in his death.
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
