KABUL (SW): Journalist fraternity has launched a campaign in the capital urging authorities to respect and ensure safety of the journalists.
Last week, a local journalist Amin Babak was beaten in public by the body guard ofthe Mohammad Nazir, deputy speaker Wolesi Jirga (lower house).
At the launch of campaign, journalists said it was not the first incident of the sort and the violence against journalist was unacceptable.
Mohammad Naeem Nazari, director Civil Society and Human Rights Network condemned the acts of violence against journalists and stressed that those responsible should be prosecuted. He stated people with power and authority should not misuse their power to harm the journalists.
Fahim Dashti, another civil activist said on the occasion that incidents of violence against journalists have spiked recently and this should be stopped.
“We have been in contact with the ministries of interior and Justice to follow up on the issue. We want those responsible for this incident to be prosecuted so that such problems don not happen again.”
Amin Babak, host of a political show at the “Khurshid TV” said that he was beaten for no obvious reasons.
“I demand that all those who commit violence against journalists should be tried for justice”.
On his part, Muhammad Nazir Ahmadzai has denied his involvement in the case.
“The body guards who did this should be tried in court. Their crime is an individual action. I have always advised against violence and continue to do so”, he told SW.
ENDS
