KHOST CITY (SW) – In yet another blow to free press and freedom of expression, authorities in Khost have issued fresh directives to limit the scope of local media outlets in the province.
Through a letter issued to the Department of Information and Culture of Khost Province, the Khost Security Command has asked to prevent women from making phone calls to radio programs in Khost. In this letter, the purpose of this action is described as prevention of moral corruption.
In a part of the letter of the Khost Security Command, it is stated: “Our country, Afghanistan, especially Khost province, is an Islamic, cultured province of the Pashtun society. Therefore, these type of phone conversations lead the society to corruption, and on the other hand, it is against Islamic Sharia. Therefore, in order to preserve the honor and dignity of the nation, region and village, it is necessary to refrain from contacting girls in any kind of program.”
The imposition of this new restriction on radio stations in Khost has caused concern among journalists and activists of the media community in Afghanistan.
Journalists, expressing concern over the imposition of restrictions on media activities by the Islamic Emirate over the past two years, say that this issue has worried them more about the future of journalistic work and media activity.
Geeta Rashidzada, a journalist, said in this regard: “The continuation of these restrictions has aroused the concern of everyone, especially us, women, active in the field of media. This causes more isolation of women and makes them face more mental and emotional problems.”
Sayed Bilaluddin Sayad, another journalist, said: “Continuation of this process will have destructive and negative effects on freedom of speech, freedom of the media and the work of journalists.”
Salam Watandar contacted several officials of the Ministry of Information and Culture regarding the nature of this restriction, but the officials of this ministry refused to talk about it.
Meanwhile, Abdulmatin Qane, the spokesperson of the Ministry of Interior Affairs, assured that this issue will be investigated and resolved. In this regard, he told reporters: “The challenge you mentioned were raised with us the other day. We are investigating this matter and it is under investigation. Right now, we assure that freedom of expression will never be disturbed in the framework of Islamic values and national interests of the country.”
This is despite the fact that last week, the governor of Kandahar sent an official letter to all the governmental institutions of this province, prohibiting any filming of official and unofficial meetings and gatherings.
