IFJ Condemns Murder of Journalist in Afghanistan

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), and

its affiliate, the Afghanistan Independent Journalists' Association (AIJA),

have condemned the murder of a journalist in Afghanistan yesterday, Tuesday

14 May.

According to the AIJA, Mohammad Nasim Turak was killed

by an unknown assailant on Tuesday night in Kandi Rijaee village, in the

Alingar district of the eastern Laghman province. The AIJA says the journalist

was violently stabbed and his body was left outside the village where he was

killed. 

"We all

mourn the tragic death of our colleague Mohammad Nasim Turak," said

IFJ Asia Pacific Director Jacqueline Park. "His murder once again demonstrates the major

challenges facing journalists and freedom of speech in Afghanistan and the

urgency to find ways to provide journalists with adequate protection.

The AIJA has

strongly condemned what it calls a "dreadful incident" and has called on local

officials to find the murderers and prove their commitment to freedom of

speech.      

For

further information contact IFJ Asia-Pacific on +612 9333 0950
The IFJ represents more than 600,000 journalists in 131 countries
Find the IFJ on Twitter: @ifjasiapacific
Find the IFJ on Facebook: www.facebook.com/IFJAsiaPacific