Afghan Journalists Safety Commission report: 2016 was the worst year for journalists

On 18 January 2017 the biannual report from the Afghan Journalists Safety Committee (AJSC) documented that 2016 was the worst year ever for journalists and media in Afghanistan.

The AJSC said that 13 journalists were killed, a figure that is unprecedented. Threats are posed by a variety of groups, including government officials, but the changed Taliban policy towards journalists and media is the main driver behind the increase in the violence against journalists. The deliberate targeting of media reflected in the figures show that Taliban are responsible for 10 of the 13 killed journalists.

“Freedom of the Media is key to any democracy – critical media holds government and administration accountable, ensures transparency in society and gives ordinary Afghan citizens a voice. We urge all parties to the conflict in Afghanistan to do their utmost to protect journalists and provide them with a safe and secure working environment”, said European Union Special Representative to Afghanistan, Ambassador Franz-Michael Mellbin.

Apart from deaths, there were also many threats. Of 101 cases recorded, 51 cases of threats and violence against journalists were caused by government officials making the government responsible for 50.5% of the cases.

Taliban accounted for 22.8%, with unidentified persons and local powerful individuals involved in the rest of the cases (26.7%).

“It is alarming that the Government continues to be responsible for so many cases. The Government should do its utmost to bring perpetrators of threats, attacks and killing of journalists to justice. Attacks on the Media must be stopped”, said Ambassador Mellbin.

http://afghanistantimes.af/2016-the-bloodiest-year-ever-for-afghan-journalists-and-media/

MARTINA NICOLLS is an international aid and development consultant, and the author of:- The Shortness of Life: A Mongolian Lament (2015), Liberia’s Deadest Ends (2012), Bardot’s Comet (2011), Kashmir on a Knife-Edge (2010) and The Sudan Curse (2009).

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