American media urge President Biden to support Afghan journalists

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 20 August 2021

American media outlets are calling on President Biden to assist Afghan journalists at risk due to Taliban control. The letter highlights the urgent need for protection and safe passage for these journalists and their families.

Summary

WASHINGTON—American media outlets have urged the US administration to help protect Afghan journalists seeking to flee as the Taliban tighten their grip in the country.

The publishers of the Washington Post, New York Times, and Wall Street Journal, in a letter sent to President Joe Biden, called for ensuring support to Afghan journalists and their families who have been working for the US media organizations.

"For the past 20 years, brave Afghan colleagues have worked tirelessly to help The New York Times, The Washington Post and The Wall Street Journal share news and information from the region with the global public," the letter said.

"Now, those colleagues and their families are trapped in Kabul, their lives in peril."

The letter from Frederick Ryan of the Post, Almar Latour of the Wall Street Journal and A.G. Sulzberger of the New York Times urged the US administration to facilitate "protected access" to the US-controlled airport and safe passage out of the country for the journalists and their families.

Photo: AFP

KEY POINTS:

• American media outlets demand U.S. support for Afghan journalists.
• Taliban's grasp on Afghanistan raises safety concerns.
• Key figures from major newspapers signed a letter to President Biden.
• Urge for safe passage and protected access to the U.S. airport.
• Emphasize the contributions of Afghan journalists over the past 20 years.