Radio “QalatGhag” which is broadcasting its programs from Qalat city, center of Zabul province, is illegally suspended by governor of that province.
After collapse of Taliban regime it’s the first time that a radio’s broadcast is suspended by government officials.
Radio “QalatGhag” programs were suspended by Zabul governor after some reports covered a demonstration by MP, Mr. ZelmaiZabuli’s fans.
Reporters and CEO of the radio were detained by police for four hours. Though they were released later on yet the radio broadcast has been stopped since three days.
Suspension of the mentioned radio could be a warning to other media outlets in Afghanistan so that the other local official would be encouraged against them.
“According to the constitution of Afghanistan no governmental official, even the president himself, has no right to suspend a media without a decree from a court of competent” said Mr. Tawhidi.
He added: “no government official or institution has the right to prevent media activities unless the especial media violation investigation commission decides to do so”.
Mr. Temur Shah Shahzada the CEO of Radio “QalatGhag” has told to media that the Zabul province local officials told him that because of some wrong reports which were against Afghan government policies, the radio’s broadcast is suspended.
According to Mr. Shahzada the reports’ contents were about the demonstration against corruption in Zabul province which caused the local officials’ anger.
“The radio is related to the ISAF forces. The radio staffs have not received there salaries, therefore, the radio is stopped.” Said Mr. GhulamSakhi the police commander of Zabul province.
He denied the detention of reporters and added: “the reporters were waiting for ISAF forces decision and the news about their detention is not true.”
