KABUL (SW): A survey conducted by Afghanistan Union of Journalists has indicated that 70% of the journalists who responded to the survey are not satisfied with the National Unity Government (NUG)’s moves to curb violence against the journalists.
This survey, which is based on interviews with 1088 journalists in 11 provinces, concluded that the government has neglected the rights of the journalists.
Speaking at a press conference in this regard, Fahim Dashti, the chief executive for Afghanistan Union of Journalists, said that the government has not fulfilled the promises it made related to the freedom of speech and the right of access to information. Fahim added that the government has not been able to protect the journalists either. The chief executive for Afghanistan Union of Journalist mentioned that so far the committee for reviewing cases of violence against journalists has only reviewed 421 out of the total of 700 cases of violence against journalists.
This survey pointed out that insecurity is the biggest challenge faced by journalist in Afghanistan. The survey concluded that Kundoz, Nangarhar, Takhar and Kabul are not safe for journalists. This survey further noted that 40% of the media organizations have shut down due to financial hardships. Dashti noted that 3 television channels, 7 radio stations and 20 print media outlets have closed down in the last 3 years.
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