Afghan Journalists Say Media in Danger of Self-Censorship

Text of report by Afghan independent Tolo TV, on 18 January

[Presenter] The New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists [CPJ] in a letter to President Karzai has expressed their concerns over the restrictions on media activities in Afghanistan.

Meanwhile, a number of journalists and media activists have confirmed increased political pressures over the media. They say that if this process [pressure] continues new and dangerous waves of self-censorship will start in the country.

[Correspondent] The CPJ in a letter to the president of Afghanistan has termed the Afghan government’s strategies to create hurdles for the media and journalists as shocking.

Meanwhile, a number of Afghan media activists and journalists have also expressed concerns over the restrictions on media activities in the country. They termed the CPJ’s call as timely.

[Zia Bomia, journalist] If such pressures increase on media I believe a kind of dangerous self-censorship [trend] will start.

[Correspondent] A number of media activists in Afghanistan say that the government itself is divided into small groups, and each group applies pressure over the media in its turn. According to them, the pressure over the media has increased over the past few days.

[Sediqollah Tawhidi, head of Media Watch] The president of Afghanistan should once again pay attention to the demands of the international community, the free media and journalists in Afghanistan. Government’s steps against the media should not be based on concerns of ministers and presidential palace officials.

[Correspondent] Afghan media and journalists faced various pressures and threats in 2007. Security officials detained beat and threatened a number of journalists.

Originally published by Tolo TV, Kabul, in Dari 1330 18 Jan 08.

(c) 2008 BBC Monitoring South Asia. Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning. All rights Reserved.