KABUL (SW) – Nai – Supporting Open Media Organization blamed the National Unity Government on Tuesday for alleged curbs on freedom of speech.
In a statement issued here today, Nai said the Ministry of Communication and Informational Technology has restricted access to internet. He referred to an interview by the MoCIT’s minister, Shahzad Gul Aryubi, with the BBC Persian in which the minister acknowledged certain curbs have been introduced at the internet.
In this interview, Aryubi said: “We have localized access to the internet, now we can filter whatever we want. We can ban things that are not needed and are against Afghanistan and against the culture of Afghans”, he said.
Nai has dubbed these remarks by the MoCIT minister as a clear violation of the Article 34 of the Constitution.
Article 34 of the Constitution states that the freedom of speech is protected from abuse. Any Afghan can express views in line with the Constitution through speech, visuals and other mediums.
The media watchdog added that such curbs on freedom of speech are initial steps towards autocracy. It urged the government to clarify its position on minister Aryubi’s remarks, and explain its internet policy. It also urged the government to make it clear to the MoCIT minister that no one has the right to take such illegal step.
Nai also urged international freedom of speech organization to assert pressure on Afghanistan in this regard.
It is worth noticing that minister Aryubi and Humayun Qayumi, minister for the Ministry of Finance, visited the U.S. earlier this year and visited the Facebook headquarters.
ENDS
