English By Roshan Noorzai Share on Facebook Print this page WASHINGTON - A recent string of targeted killings in Afghanistan has created an atmosphere of fear among Afghan journalists who say they cannot carry out their duties under growing threats.
The Afghan Journalists Safety Committee, a local media advocacy group, has warned that the country might lose one of its main achievements in the past two decades, freedom of expression and press, if the attacks on journalists continue.
At least five journalists have been killed in Afghanistan in the past two months as part of a wave of targeted attacks against women working outside their homes, rights activists, tribal and community leaders, religious figures and journalists.
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For Afghans, 2021 began with what occurred too often over the past year: the assassination of a journalist.
Bismillah Adel Aimaq was shot on New Year s Day by unknown gunmen. His killing continued a disturbing trend that made Afghanistan the most dangerous country in the world for journalists in 2020, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists.
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Family members and relatives take part in the funeral procession of Afghan journalist Rahmatullah Nekzad at Khoja Omari in Ghazni, Afghanistan, Dec. 22, 2020.
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(Last Updated On: December 30, 2020)
Ambassadors and diplomats of the United States, Canada and European Union nations met with representatives of the Afghan media on Wednesday to discuss the current safety and security threats the sector faces.
The group of foreign diplomats emphasized the importance of preserving press freedom and protecting media workers.
Among the diplomats present were the Charge d’ Affairs of the US to Kabul, and the ambassadors of Canada, UK, France, Sweden, Denmark, and the European Union to Afghanistan’s ambassador.
The aim of the meeting was to discuss security strategies to help journalists “who are at risk right now.”
2020: Dozens of journalists killed in targeted attacks
At least 50 journalists worldwide have lost their lives on the job this year, according to the annual report of media advocacy group Reporters Without Borders. The NGO has warned of an increase in targeted killings.
Mexico tops the list of dangerous countries for journalists I don t think it has ever been as scary as it is right now. Because it seems that all journalists are under threat, says Najib Sharifi, the head of the Afghan Journalists Safety Committee, in a short video interview with DW. He s been very busy these past few weeks and he looks exhausted.