Afghan media safety in the spotlight as gunmen kill journalist

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 25 April 2018

The assassination of journalist Abdul Manan Arghand emphasizes the perilous conditions for media personnel in Afghanistan. This incident coincided with discussions on safeguarding journalists.

Summary

KANDAHAR - Gunmen killed an Afghan journalist on his way to work in the southern city of Kandahar on Tuesday, officials said, an attack that highlights the risks faced by media workers in Afghanistan.

Abdul Manan Arghand, who worked for Kabul News TV, was shot by gunmen armed with AK-47s as he was driving his car, police spokesman Zia Durani said.

The attack came the same day as a meeting in Kabul to discuss how to safeguard journalists. The U.N. mission in Afghanistan issued a statement condemning the killing.

Last year was the bloodiest for journalists in Afghanistan, according to the Afghan Journalists’ Safety Committee, with at least 20 killed and 169 cases of violence or threats. - Reuters

KEY POINTS:

• Abdul Manan Arghand was shot dead while commuting in Kandahar.
• The attack highlights the dangers faced by Afghan journalists.
• Last year marked the deadliest for journalists in Afghanistan.
• The U.N. condemned the killing in a public statement.
• Gunmen with AK-47s targeted Arghand, escalating safety concerns.