Saturday, May 05, 2012
Kabul (BNA) The press freedom day marked in Afghanistan while the country is still risky for pressmen and journalists.
Addressing the conference to mark the Day, Mujib Khalwatgar the director of the Nai said that despite the press freedom has developed in Afghanistan, still challenges are ahead.
Khalwatgar added that media outlets and newsmen are still facing security threats from government bodies, powerful figures and the armed oppositions.
Head of national union of journalists Abdul Hamid Mubariz in his speech underlined the freedom of expression is the right of every citizen in the country and this right has been envisaged in the constitution, press law and in the strategic pact inked between US and Afghanistan.
Deputy to publication in the ministry for information and culture Deen Mohammad Mubariz Rashidi also spoke at the conference.
In his address, he noted the press freedom should not be interpreted in the way to create chaos in the country and should not remain indifference to keep the public unaware from the development in society. Healthy criticism is welcomed, he further said.
Head of press watchdog Sediqullah Tawhidi in his speech said that four journalists had been killed last year, seven sustained injuries and 24 others had been beaten while 77 others had been insulted 48 of them by government organs.
In order to respect press freedom and assist the families of those journalists who lost their lives the Nai has established a donation box. At the end of the conference, seven journalists were appreciated in recognition of their work.
