Irina Bokova, Director-General of UNESCO, today condemned the killing of Indian journalist Gauri Lankesh, who was shot on 5th September, outside her home in the district of Rajarajeshwari Nagar of Bangaluru, South India.

"I condemn the murder of Gauri Lankesh," the Director-General stated. "Any attack on the media is an attack on the fundamental right to freedom of expression of each member of society. I urge the Indian authorities to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice and this crime is punished."

Lankesh, 55, was the editor and publisher of the Gauri Lankesh Patrike, a Kannada-language weekly, and an outspoken critic of right-wing extremism. She was fatally shot by at least three unknown assailants outside her home in the Rajarajeshwari Nagar district of Bangaluru, South India.