Police attack radio journalist during live program in Afghanistan

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published 8 years ago

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and the Afghan Independent Journalists Association (AIJA) have condemned an attack on a radio journalist by police inside a radio station in Firozkoh, central Afghanistan. The IFJ demanded immediate action against the police involved in the attack.

On November 12, three police recruits stormed into the studio of Feroz-Koh Radio and violently assaulted journalist Janat Meer while he was presenting a live show. The Ghor Police Chief General Ghulam Mustafa Muhsini said that the police involved have been arrested and an investigation has begun.

AIJA President Samandar Khan said: "The entry of police into a media organization without permission and an assault on a journalist inside a studio during a live program is against all laws, rules, policies and promises of government.” The AIJA has called on the police leadership of Ghor and other security departments to investigate the case and bring those responsible to justice.

As per the recent policy passed by a joint committee and a decree of the President of Afghanistan, any complaint against journalist needs to be filed quickly by a coordination committee.

The IFJ said: “The IFJ is deeply concerned by this assault from police on Janat Meer. This is a blatant attempt to silence and intimidate the media. The fact that the assailants were police, those responsible for protecting journalists against such attacks, raises serious questions about the safety and security of the media in Afghanistan, which is already facing attacks from non-state actors. Afghanistan has seen the deaths of 12 media workers already this year, making it one of the most dangerous countries to be a journalist in the Asia Pacific region. In light of such violence, the Afghan government must continue with its efforts to support press freedom and the safety of the media.” - IFJ media release

Read Next

PFUJ calls for end to Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists

 November 02, 2025: PFUJ urges Pakistan’s federal and provincial governments to end Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists and ensure their safety and press freedom.

Global impunity for journalist murders worsens as Pakistan sees 60 percent rise in attacks

 November 02, 2025: Impunity for crimes against journalists deepens worldwide as Pakistan reports a 60 percent surge in attacks and weak enforcement of safety laws.

Pakistan Press Foundation documents 137 attacks on journalists in 2025

 November 01, 2025: Pakistan Press Foundation reports 137 attacks on journalists in 2025, highlighting rising threats, legal harassment, and censorship on the International Day to End Impunity.

Anchor Talat Hussain laughs as Marwat makes vulgar comment on air

 November 01, 2025: A viral Samaa TV clip featuring MNA Sher Afzal Marwat’s crude remarks and Talat Hussain’s laughter raises questions about the declining ethics of Pakistani television.

Why was this DawnNews TV journalist targeted in a foiled murder plot?

 October 31, 2025: Police foiled a plot to kill DawnNewsTV journalist Tahir Naseer in Rawalpindi after arresting suspects hired for Rs200,000. Naseer says threats followed his reporting.

CPJ calls on Pakistan to prosecute killers of journalist Imtiaz Mir

 October 31, 2025: CPJ calls on Pakistan to bring Imtiaz Mir’s killers to justice after the journalist was allegedly murdered by a banned militant group in Karachi.

PFUJ urges quashing of fabricated case against journalist Matiullah Jan

 October 30, 2025: The PFUJ has condemned a fabricated drug case against journalist Matiullah Jan, calling it an attempt to silence him and urging authorities to quash the charges immediately.

NewsOne TV hit by layoffs and unpaid wages, channel remains on air

 October 30, 2025: NewsOne TV remains on air but faces mass layoffs and delayed salaries, exposing Pakistan’s worsening media crisis and financial instability.