Police attack radio journalist during live program in Afghanistan
JournalismPakistan.com | Published: 14 November 2016
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The police attacked journalist Janat Meer during a live broadcast in Firozkoh, Afghanistan. The International Federation of Journalists has called for immediate action against the officers involved.Summary
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
Key Points
- Police assaulted journalist during live show in Afghanistan.
- IFJ and AIJA condemn the incident and demand justice.
- Police involved have been arrested and an investigation is underway.
- Afghanistan has seen multiple attacks on journalists this year.
- The incident raises serious concerns about media safety.
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