The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) is saddened and concerned over the murder of former Afghan television presenter in Kabul.
On 17 May 2005, Shaima Rizaee, former entertainment presenter for Tolo TV was beaten to death.
"The tragic loss of a colleague is a massive blow for free and independent media in Afghanistan," said IFJ President Christopher Warren.
"The Afghan authorities must investigate and bring to justice those responsible for Rizaee's death," said Warren.
According to the Committee to Protect Afghan Journalists (CPAJ) Rizaee was fired from Tolo TV more than two months ago for unknown reasons.
Rizaee then disappeared sparking rumours she had been killed. Tolo TV and Rizaee's family failed to comment on the rumours.
According to CPAJ, Rizaee was confined to her family home during this time and prevented from appearing in public.
Kabul tenth-district police are still investigating the motive behind her murder but are questioning her brothers in connection to her disappearance and murder.
Tolo TV is one of the three private channels in Kabul City, whose audience are predominantly youths and has the largest audience of the TV stations.
The IFJ is deeply concerned over Rizaee's murder and calls on the Afghan authorities to launch a full investigation bringing those responsible to justice.
For further information contact Christopher Warren on +61 411 757 668
The IFJ represents over 500,000 journalists in more than 110 countries
