CPJ, UNESCO condemn killing of Allen

[Elisabeth Janaina]

CPJ, UNESCO condemn killing of Allen
Staff Writer | August 30, 2017 | 1:34 pm
Freelance photojournalist/writer Christopher Allen. (The War Zone
Freelance Project)

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
and the Committee to Protect Journalist have condemned the killing of
journalist Christopher Allen.

The 26-year-old freelance journalist was killed in a fighting between
government and Opposition forces in the border town of Kaya, Yei River
State.

“In keeping with the Geneva Conventions, journalists retain their
civilian status in conflict situations. It is therefore the obligation
of all parties to protect them,” said Irina Bokova, UNESCO
Director-General, in a statement issued on Tuesday,

His work had been carried by leading media outlets, including Al
Jazeera and the US-base Vice News.

“Taking photographs and reporting events is not attacking. It is
journalistic work done by civilians, who are protected under
international law,” said Angela Quintal, the Committee to Protect CPJ
Africa Program Coordinator, from New York.

Christopher Allen, an American national, was reporting on the fighting
on the side of opposition forces.