Siawash’s Family Lodges Complaint with UN
The family of former TOLOnews presenter Yama Siawash on Wednesday said they have lodged a complaint with the UN Security Council over the current handling of the case into their son s death, stating that the Afghan government failed to address their demands to launch an investigation into the murder or arrest the perpetrators who planned the murder.
In the complaint letter, the family of Yama Siawash questioned the approach of Ajmal Ahmadi, the governor of the Central Bank of Afghanistan, where Siawash was working.
The letter has also criticized President Ashraf Ghani for supporting the approach of Ajmal Ahmadi.
Afghanistan: On the Verge of Downfall of Media Freedom December 20,2020 | Mohammad Zahir Akbari
Given the recent methodic reports, it seems that Afghanistan is on the verge of downfall of media freedom due to various reasons such as journalist serial killings, gender discrimination and low wages. In general, a new climate of fears and worries are overtly felt amongst media community in the country. The media supporting organizations have frequently expressed their concerns and anxieties about intensification of intentional violence and threats into lives of media workers. NAI, an Organization Supporting Open Media in Afghanistan, just released a report disclosing that over 1,000 female Afghan journalists have left jobs in the industry for various reasons since 2014. According to NAI, the number of female journalists has now dropped from 2,500 to 1,500 saying targeted killings, gender discrimination and low wages are among the key factors that have led to the red
1,000 Afghan Female Journalists Left Industry Since 2014: NAI
NAI – an Organization Supporting Open Media in Afghanistan reported that over 1,000 female Afghan journalists have left jobs in the industry for various reasons since 2014.
According to NAI, the number of female journalists has now dropped from 2,500 to 1,500.
“2,400 female journalists and media workers were associated with the media outlets in Afghanistan. This figure could be around 1,500 now,” said Mujib Khalwatgar, the head of NAI.
“Unfortunately, the financial and economic condition of media outlets came under pressure during the coronavirus pandemic and many people lost their jobs. This issue has raised major concerns for us, but we do not have any figures about how many girls are left working in media because of threats,” said Wahida Faizi, a member of the Journalists’ Safety Committee.