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
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