The officials of local TV channel “Tanweer” said that two reporters of this channel have been beaten up by armed people today morning.
Editor in Chief of Tanweer TV channel Sher Muhammad Jahesh said: “our reporter and cameraman were beaten by ex- mayor’s people while leaving the introduction ceremony of Pulkhumri’s new mayor.”
According to Jahesh, Sayed Maqsud Sadat, ex- mayor of Pulkumri City had conducted demonstrations during last days in order to prevent the assignment of new mayor.
Yet the new mayor of Pulkumri was officially introduced in a public ceremony today. The reporters were invited to cover the ceremony. The reporters of Tanweer TV channel were beaten up while they were coming back from the ceremony.
While claiming that he has the video recording proof of the incident, Jahesh said: “we have recognized three attackers, two bodyguards and the driver of ex-mayor, who had been beating up our reporters.”
Afghanistan's National Journalists Union (ANJU) have tried to make contacts with Baghlan province officials in order to find the attackers and prosecute them.
In response to ANJU’s demand, Asadullah Sherzad, the police commander of Baghlan province said: “I’ll order the security officer who is my assistant as well to solve the problem completely.”
Tanweer TV officals are saying that Baghlan police has promised to find the attackers and detain them.
ANJU has requested the security establishments of the country to prevent the unprecedented rise in violence against reporters in the country.
M. Faheem Dashty, Chief Executive of ANJU said: “We are communicating with officials of Interior Ministry to solve these problems as soon as possible.”
Violence against reporters have been rising since last couple of weeks. Yesterday, Bukhdy News Agency reporter was also beaten up by Parwan governor in Kabul.
