4 May 2006

 Despite being optimistic about improvement in situation of freedom of expression and press, the AIHRC regards the last year as the most challenging year for press freedom and security of journalists with over 20 cases of serious violation of press freedom, threat, attack and pressure on journalists

 The Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission (AIHRC) describes the steps taken to realise press freedom and to institutionalise this key element of political development in the country, guaranteed in the Constitution and the universal human rights instruments, as encouraging and hopes that the Government of Afghanistan adheres to its commitments towards protecting press freedom and ensuring the security of journalists. 

In spite of legal protections for free press, the Commission regards the various cases of violence against independent journalists, their unjustifiable prosecution and disrespect to the press agents as worrying and in violation of the values of the Constitution, the Law on Mass Media and international human rights instruments.

 The AIHRC has investigated the cases of violence against journalists and banning of papers by government institutions especially police during the past year and regards it as a step backward in institutionalisation of the legal and human freedoms of the people of Afghanistan.

Nader Nadery, AIHRC Commissioner and Spokesperson, said today, Last year with more than 20 cases of violation of the right to free press, attack, threat and pressure on journalists has been the most challenging year for the press since the establishment of the Interim Administration.

The Commission calls on the Government to take more effective measures to ensure security for journalists and protect their legal freedoms in a bid for the further growth of free press in the country.