The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) joins
its affiliate, the Afghan Independent Journalists Association (AIJA), in
condemning an attack on Radio Payam in the northern Afghanistan
province of Baghlan.
According to
information available to the AIJA, the radio station was attacked by seven unidentified
men early in the morning of January 31. Some of the facilities were damaged but
the main objective seems to have been theft, with equipment worth an estimated
USD 30,000, including the station’s transmitter, reportedly removed by the
intruders.
The local
leadership of the Taliban and the Hezb-e-Isalami have denied any involvement in
the attack on the station, located a mere 500 metres from a police checkpoint.
“The IFJ is
deeply worried by this targeted assault on an independent radio station, with
the apparent motive of silencing its broadcasts,” said IFJ
Asia-Pacific Director Jacqueline Park.
“We join the
AIJA in calling for a thorough investigation by the national and provincial
security agencies, in order to provide Afghanistan’s journalists with a minimum
assurance that they can function without fear in these crucial times for the
country.”
For further information contact IFJ Asia-Pacific on +612 9333 0919
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