The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization Director-General Audrey Azoulay has condemned the killing of radio Journalist Ralikonelo Leqhashasha Joki in Maseru. She said she deplores the killing of Joki and urges authorities to investigate this crime and hold those involved to account and She also indicated that violent attacks on Journalists must not be used to discourage them from conducting their fundamental work, on which all of society relies.  

Unidentified assailants are reported to have fired at least 13 bullets at Joki, while he was driving away from his place of work. The journalist, who hosted a regular current affairs program on Tsénolo FM, is also reported to have received death threats in connection with his work in recent months. UNESCO promotes the safety of Journalists through global awareness-
raising, capacity building and by coordinating the implementation of the United Nations Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity. 

On the same note, the Southern Africa Human Rights Defenders Network calls on the Lesotho authorities to thoroughly investigate the killing of prominent journalist, ‘Leqhashaha’, and ensure that those
Responsible are brought to justice.