KABUL (SW): Nai, Supporting Open Media in Afghanistan, has noted rising trend in violence against journalists in the country.
Seddiqullah Tawhidi, Head of media watch at Nai, said on Thursday that in the first quarter of the previous year, 100 cases of violence against women were registered while in the first three months of the current year such cases have increased to 117.
Speaking at an event to mark the World Press Freedom Day, he expressed concerns over growing violence against journalists. Based on the reports by Nai, 12 reporters have lost their lives last year while 23 more have been wounded.
He said that 68 cases of abuse against journalists have been registered while 21 reporters have been threatened by the Taliban and other armed men. He added that 300 media personnel, including field reports have left Afghanistan over the past year due to persecution while 60 of them were female reporters.
He went on to say that lack of access to information and lack of security are the biggest challenges ahead of journalists in the country. He urged upon the government to implement its pledges about supporting freedom of speech.
At this occasion, Nai awarded journalists in the categories for best online reporter of the year, best political anchor and best photographer of the year.
Wahida Faizi, Salam Watandar’s energetic female reporter, won the award for the best online reporter.
ENDS
