Violence against journalists soars to new height in 2016

Afghanistan witnessed more violence against its journalists in 2016 than ever before; Afghan Journalists Safety Committee (AJSC) has announced of an unprecedented figure in violence against journalists in the year 2016.

Chairman of AJSC has declared that the final result shows a 38 percent increase in violence against journalists compared to the last year.

According to the report of AJSC in the first six months of the current year:

21 % violence against journalists occurred by the government.

16 % of the violence occurred by the Taliban group and the armed oppositions of the government.

8 % of the violence occurred by the protestors.

6 % of it by unidentified individuals.

3 % of the violence occurred by media officials.

“The Afghan government is responsible for the most violence against journalists and the Taliban group ranked the next group,” said Najibullah Sharifi, chairman of ASJC.

The worsening security situation over the last six months, including an increase in suicide attacks and roadside bombs is one of the principal reasons for the unprecedented escalation of violence.

Despite the existence challenges, a number of journalists complaint over working limits for accessing the information law by governmental organs.

“We have not seen any of their commitments to be fulfilled so far. They should prevent the increase of violence against journalists,” said Tawfiq Sidiqi, journalist.

Mostly conflict zones are dangerous for the journalists. In order to provide true and timely information, the journalists have to move into or close to the places where wars and conflicts happen. They, therefore, put their lives at risk and try to fulfill their responsibilities.

The Afghan government must ensure that the media operates with no fear and intimidations and protect the journalists from the violence organized by militant groups or other sorts of violence from government and security officials.