IFJ Condemns Murder of Afghan Broadcaster

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) joins its affiliate, the Afghan Independent Journalists’ Association (AIJA), in registering shock and outrage at the murder of Sayed Hamid Noori, a former news anchor of Radio Television Afghanistan (RTA).

 

According to information from the AIJA, Noori left his home late on the night of September 5 after receiving a phone call. The caller’s identity is not known, though he was clearly someone known to Noori.

 

Noori’s body was found with multiple stab wounds later that night, not far from his home in the Mecroryan area of Kabul city.

 

Noori, 45, had become spokesman for the speaker of the Afghan parliament after leaving RTA. Before his assignment with RTA, he had worked as a senior editor with the state-owned news agency, Bakhtiar, and also as chief editor of the Nakhost daily. He was an active member and elected office-holder of the National Union of Afghan Journalists.

 

“The IFJ extends its deepest condolences to Noori’s family, his professional colleagues and associates,” IFJ General Secretary Aidan White said.

 

“We take note of the sentiments expressed by leaders of Afghanistan’s community of journalists and call upon the authorities to investigate this murder and establish accountability without delay”.

 

For further information contact IFJ Asia-Pacific on +612 9333 0919

 

The IFJ represents more than 600,000 journalists in 125 countries

 

Find the IFJ on Twitter: @ifjasiapacific