Afghan journalist beaten by Taliban at Torkham

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 28 October 2021

Sedaqat Ghorzang, an Afghan journalist, was assaulted by Taliban border forces while covering news at Torkham. His equipment was destroyed, prompting calls for accountability.

Summary

KABUL—Sedaqat Ghorzang, an Afghan journalist, associated with Tolo News, was allegedly beaten by the Taliban border security forces at the Torkham passage.

According to the Tolo News, it sent the reporter to Torkham to report the current situation in Nangarhar province, where many people are gathered to visit Pakistan.

Ghorzang claimed that proper coordination had been made earlier; however, after beating him up, the Taliban border security forces threw his camera and media equipment into a river and broke his cellphone.

Tolo News has demanded a follow-up on the incident. Moreover, another reporter is also said to have been beaten at Torkham.

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has also asked the Taliban regime to ensure press freedom throughout the country. "The Taliban must thoroughly investigate the beating of Sadaqat Ghorzang, ensure its forces do not attack members of the press and commit to allowing the media to operate freely and safely."

However, the Taliban spokesperson hasn't commented on the case yet.