The head of the United Nations culture organisation Unesco has deplored the murder of local radio journalist Nadershah Sahibzada in the city of Gardiz in southeast Afghanistan.
“I condemn the murder of Nadershah Sahibzada,” said Unesco's director-general Audrey Azoulay.
“I hope that the investigation underway will lead to the arrest of the perpetrators of this gruesome crime and help stem future attacks on freedom of expression and on the media, which have a major role to play in the reconstruction of Afghanistan and efforts to consolidate democracy and rule of law.”
Sahibzada who presented an entertainment programme on radio Sada-e-Gadiz (The Voice of Gadiz) went missing on 12 July. His dead body was found the following day bearing signs of torture and repeated stabbing.
Sahibzada's slaying occurred as peace efforts entered into a crucial stage in Afghanistan and he was the seventh journalist to be assassinated this year, according to free media advocacy group Nai.
No group immediately claimed Shibzada's killing.
