A/HRC/7/14 Page 7 B. Press releases 1 9. The Special Rapporteur regularly issues press releases to signal his concern about current events. In 2007, he issued five press releases concerning issues of safety of journalists and legislation that restricts the right to freedom of opinion and expression. 10. On 23 January, the Special Rapporteur expressed his concern over the murder of Hrant Dink, a respected Turkish journalist and intellectual who had developed important critical work concerning a sensitive period in the history of Turkey. He expressed his hopes that the investigations would shed light on all aspects of this crime. 11. On 12 March, the Special Rapporteur called for the immediate and unconditional release of Italian journalist Daniele Mastrogiacomo and his aides, who had been arrested in Afghanistan. He argued that this crime underscored the importance of intensifying efforts to ensure the safety of journalists, particularly in conflict areas. Mr. Mastrogiacomo was released on 20 March, but an Afghan journalist who was travelling with him, Ajmal Naqshbandi, was brutally executed on 8 April. 12. On 27 June, the Special Rapporteur called for the release of British journalist Alan Johnston of BBC, who had been abducted in Gaza City on 12 March. He once again highlighted the importance of ensuring the safety of media professionals as an indispensable conduit for the enjoyment of the right to freedom of expression. 13. On 28 September, the Special Rapporteur, along with several other special procedures mandate-holders, strongly condemned the crackdown of public demonstrations in Myanmar, in particular the brutal measures taken by the security services, including the use of deadly force. They also welcomed the decision to hold a special session of the Human Rights Council on the situation in Myanmar. They called for the release of the detained, an investigation of the killings, steps to alleviate the economic hardship of the majority of the population and the introduction of serious reforms and dialogue with the opposition. 1 The full text of the statements is available at: www2.ohchr.org/english/press/newsFrameset-2.htm.