The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and its affiliate Afghanistan Independent Journalist Association (AIJA) condemn the attack on journalist Azizullah Hamdard on the night of August 2 in capital Kabul.
According to reports, two unidentified men fired shots from a pistol at Hamdard, a reporter with Pajhwok News agency, and fled away leaving him with injuries in his left arm. He was admitted to Kabul Emergency Hospital for treatment after he was turned back by two other hospitals, as police didn’t arrived despite being informed.
No one has claimed responsibility for the attack, but Hamdard linked the attack to his journalism related activities since he had reported on frauds during the presidential elections.
It is understood that Kabul police is investigating the case but no one has been arrested yet.
The AIJA said: “We are concerned about security situation of journalists after recent incidents as many other journalists are facing intimidation for their journalistic works."
The IFJ said: “Afghanistan is a deadly place for journalists, and the security situation have been a major concern for journalists. Journalists in Afghanistan are facing threats for carrying our their responsiblities.”
The IFJ and the AIJA urge the Afghanistan government to immediately arrest and prosecute those involved in the attack and act upon to improve the security situation for journalists.