UNESCO, the UN’s scientific and cultural organization, expressed concern on Wednesday at how journalists, particularly in Eastern Europe, were being accused of economic crimes in order to suppress critical reporting. Reporters were being pursued with allegations, such as extortion, tax evasion and money laundering, the Paris-based organization said. This tactic was widespread and increasing in all regions, but could be seen most often in Eastern Europe and Central Asia. Its aim was to distract critical reporters from their work and intimidate them. Journalists reporting on corruption were at p…