KABUL (SW): Nai – Supporting Open Media in Afghanistan, has shared the findings of its latest study with the press that noted the level of restrictions, impediments in accessing information and persecution of journalists have increased during the tenure of the National Unity Government.
Mujid Khilwatgar, chief executive officer at Nai, told a press conference in this connection that up to 610 cases of violence against journalists occurred during the 13-year tenure of former president Hamid Karzai, but so far during the 3-year of the NUG as many as 620 cases of violence against journalists have been documented.
The report further stated that the censorship regime has tightened during the NUG as well as persecution of journalists. Khilwatgar said up to 112 different media outlets have closed down during the NUG, but this figure was quite low during the Karzai-era. The Nai chief executive officer further said 500 Afghan journalists have left the country due to ragging violence and insecurity.
On the positive note, Nai hailed the NUG for striving with much better pace towards legislation for security of journalists and access to information.
Defending the NUG, Shah Hussain Murtazawi, deputy spokesman for presidential palace, told Salam Watandar that Nai has not taken into consideration the corresponding security situation during the Karzai era and now during the NUG. He vowed the NUG has taken serious steps to promote and secure free press in the country.
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