The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), the global organisation representing over 500,000 journalists in more than 110 countries, today joined Afghan journalists in calling on the Afghanistan government, security forces and all political groups to respect journalists' rights in the lead up to the election.

The Afghan Independent Journalists Association (AIJA) and the Committee to Protect Afghan Journalists (CPAJ) are concerned about the increasing number of threats against journalists as polling day for the parliamentary elections on September 18 draws nearer.

"Politically motivated individuals or groups cannot be allowed to intimidate journalists if the election is to have credibility. The IFJ calls on the Afghan government protect the rights of journalists to ensure their freedom to report on the election process," said IFJ President Christopher Warren.

"The government must actively discourage and prevent the intimidation of journalists to protect the democratic process and the wellbeing of journalists in Afghanistan," said the IFJ President.

"Journalists play a fundamental democratic role through independent, fair and impartial reporting of political parties and agendas. Their role is particularly important at a time when the Afghan people must make an important political decision," said Warren.

According to the AIJA and the CPAJ, four journalists have been threatened or kidnapped in separate cases in the past week.

For further information contact Christopher Warren on +61 411 757 668.

The IFJ represents over 500,000 journalists in more than 110 countries