Joint statement of Cyprus Newspaper & Magazines Publishers Association, ENPA and WAN-IFRA regarding the assassination of Andy Hadjicostis, Managing Director of Dias Media Group in Cyprus

´The Cyprus Newspaper & Magazines Publishers Association, ENPA – the European Newspaper Publishers’ Association - and the World Association of Newspapers and News Publishers (WAN-IFRA) strongly condemn the assassination of Andy Hadjicostis, Managing Director of Dias Media Group in Cyprus.

The killing of Mr Hadjicostis by yet unidentified gunmen took place on the evening of January 11 in Nicosia.

The Cyprus Newspaper & Magazines Publishers Association, ENPA and WAN-IFRA urge the Cypriot authorities to use all the necessary means to find and bring to justice the person or persons who committed the assassination.

The undersigned associations consider the assassination as a blow against freedom of speech and against the media in Cyprus.  

“Our associations are determined to protect and fight for this fundamental right”, said Mr Petros Zachariades, Chairman of the Cyprus Newspapers & Magazines Publishers Association. “In addition, all parties must work towards strengthening the bonds between the media the public and the authorities in order to avoid these types of horrendous incidents.”

Andy Hadjicostis was born in Nicosia on 12 September, 1968. He studied Economics and Political Science in Southampton University in the United Kingdom. He was the son of the founder and Chairman of Dias Media Group which comprise of newspapers, magazines, radio and television stations. He was appointed Marketing and New Business Manager of the Group in 1997 and eventually Managing Director in 2002.
 

January 12, 2010
 
Cyprus Newspapers & Magazines Publishers Association

Petros Zachariades, Chairman

ENPA – European Newspaper Publishers’ Association

Valdo Lehari jr, President

World Association of Newspapers and News Publishers (WAN-IFRA)

Gavin O’Reilly, President