Afghan journalist injured, security killed in attack

Shir Mohammad Jahish in hospital after the attack. Credit: AIJA

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) joins its affiliate the Afghan Independent Journalists Association (AIJA) in condemning the attack on the head of a television channel in Baghlan province in northeastern Afghanistan on Thursday, October 12. The IFJ demands immediate arrest and prosecution of the perpetrator. Shir Mohammad Jahish head of Tanweer TV was on the way home from work when his car was attacked by unidentified gunmen near his residence in Pul-i-khumri, capital of Baghlan Province.

Jahish’s guard, Amanullah Haqiar was killed in the attack while Jahish sustained injuries on his face and body. Soon after the attack, Jahish was transferred to Baghlan civil hospital, and later moved to the higher security police hospital upon the request of the AIJA.

AIJA president Rahimullah Samandar said: “Shir Mohammad Jahish’s complaints were not taken seriously by security officials before this grave attack. It also remains a mystery how the armed assailants were able to safely flee a small city like Pul-i-khumri, which has only two main roads." The lack of safety for journalists in Afghanistan is also illustrated by a separate incident the day before. On October 11, Munir Ahmad Farhad, former journalist and spokesperson of the Balkh governor, was seriously injured in an attack in Balkh province north western Afghanistan.  The IFJ said: “The increasing number of attacks on journalists and media workers in the past two years is raising serious concerns about safety for the media community in Afghanistan. The IFJ joins AIJA in continuing to demand action from the government to guarantee the security of the media.”

For further information contact IFJ Asia-Pacific on +61 2 9333 0946 

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