European, world publishers condemn slaying of Cyprus newspaper boss

The Cyprus Newspaper and Magazine Publishers Association, ENPA – the European Newspaper Publishers’ Association – and the World Association of Newspapers and News Publishers (WAN-IFRA) have condemned the assassination of Andy Hadjicostis, Managing Director of Dias Media Group in Cyprus.
The killing by yet unidentified gunmen took place on the evening of Monday, January 11 in Nicosia.
In a joint statement, the Cyprus publishers association, ENPA and WAN-IFRA have urged the Cypriot authorities to use all the necessary means to find and bring to justice the person or persons who committed the assassination.
The associations said the assassination was “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 Petros Zachariades, Chairman of the Cyprus Newspaper and Magazine 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, 41, studied Economics and Political Science in Southampton University in the U.K. He was the son of the founder and Chairman of Dias Media Group, Costis Hadjicostis, which comprise of newspapers, magazines, radio and television stations. Having worked in Europe for a few years, Andy was appointed Marketing and New Business Manager of the Group in 1997 and eventually Managing Director in 2002.
His funeral takes place on Wednesday, January 13.