Afghan Ministry Sets New Deadline for Removal of Indian Soaps

Text of press release by the Information and Culture Ministry aired by state-owned National Afghanistan TV on 23 April

Following the ban of some soap operas, on a number of private television channels, which was decided during the joint meetings dated 30 March and 19 April 08 with the religious scholars, representatives of the television channels, the representatives of the National Assembly, a number of unions of journalists and the commission set up to look into cases media law violations, the Ministry of Information and Culture once again calls for the removal of the soaps.

The ministry thanks the Nurin and Ariana television channels for complying with the decision, but it seriously calls on the [private] Afghan TV and Tolo channel to respect the demand of the nation and the decision of the authorities and immediately comply with the decision.

The Afghan and Tolo television channels are hereby asked for the last time to stop the broadcast of the soaps by 10 Sawr of 1387 [29 April 08]. Otherwise, they will be referred to the judicial and legal organs.

Originally published by National Afghanistan TV, Kabul, in Dari and Pashto 1530 23 Apr 08.

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