Press Statement

Taliban attacks media house in Kunduz

29 Sep, 2015

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) joins its affiliate the Afghan Independent Journalists Association (AIJA) in strongly condemning an attack on a media house in Kundux province, north eastern Afghanistan on Monday, September 28.

On Monday, Taliban militants launched an attack and took control of the central city of Kunduz after the Afghan forces retreated. During the attack the offices of Roshani Radio and TV were severely damaged and the majority of the equipment was destroyed. Roshani Radio and TV is an independent media outlet, founded by Ms. Sadiqa Sherzai in 2002. The radio mostly covered women issues and majority of employees are also women.

Rahimullah Samandar, the AIJA President, called on the Taliban to stop attacks on media houses and respect press freedom of media in Afghanistan.

In the same statement, the AIJA also condemned the detention of Shirzay, a reporter from TOLO TV in Baghlan province for his reporting. The AIJA is seriously concerned about increasing insurgencies and the worsening security situation for media workers.

The IFJ said: “This attack by the Taliban is a threat to press freedom and independent media in Afghanistan. The Taliban needs to be respectful of media freedom and end attacks on the media. We also call for the immediate release of Shirzay and an investigation into his detention.”

The IFJ urges the Afghanistan government to provide security to journalists and media houses as far as possible to ensure improvement in the overall safety situation for journalists.

Written By

IFJ Asia-Pacific IFJ Asia-Pacific

The IFJ represents more than 600,000 journalists in 140 countries.
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