Abdullah was addressing a two-day seminar organized by the Afghanistan Journalists Federation (AJF) in the capital Kabul. He said the government has consulted media owners, Ministry of Information and Culture and the Ministry of Justice for the policy.
Facts must be reported regardless of how bitter they could be, he said adding that media however, must keep the national interests in mind. “The Government of National Unity supports the freedom of speech”, he vowed.
Abdullah acknowledged that free press, especially the investigative journalism was under threat in the country.
Some 48 journalists have lost lives in Afghanistan in the line of duty since the fall of Taliban regime in 2001 following the US invasion.
A part from the militants, security forces and influential individuals has also been blamed for violence against journalists.
According to the Human Rights Watch (HRW)’s latest report violence and threats against Afghanistan’s journalists by the government and security forces were on the rise that put at risk the gains in media freedom in Afghanistan since 2001.
The 48-page report, “‘Stop Reporting or We’ll Kill Your Family’: Threats to Media Freedom in Afghanistan,” documents harassment, intimidation, and attacks on journalists and the Afghan government’s failure to investigate and prosecute those responsible.
The report published in January this year said 2014 had been the most violent year on record for journalists in Afghanistan, with attacks up by 64 percent from 2013.
Phelim Kine, HRW Deputy Asia Director has said reforming the law would be a vital step in ensuring that Afghan journalists can do their jobs. “Afghanistan’s new government will need to address the security threats from all sides before journalists will have confidence that they can go to work without risking their lives”, Kine stressed.
ENDS
