Media outlets in Bamyan insisted during an emergency meeting to investigate suicide attempt of Mehdi Behzad, a local journalist of Bamyan.
The meeting was organized at 10:00 AM yesterday, to look over the claims of Mr. Mehdi Behzad. Behzad claimed for justice and registered his case with Afghanistan National Journalists Union (ANJU). The participants of the meeting included; Muhammad Tahir Zaheer – Provincial Governor of Bamyan, Muhammad Asif Mubaligh – Deputy Governor, Ishaq Akrami – provincial manager of ANJU, Jawad Dadgar – provincial manager of human rights independent commission, Ahmad Hussain Ahmadpor – acting director of culture and information directorate, local media representatives, attorney representative, and security authorities.
During the meeting, Mr. Akrami clarified that Mr. Mehdi Behzad attempted to kill himself as a result of insult and blockade of information by the PGO spokesperson. Behzad ate dozens of tablets in a public park on Sunday this week. Behzad as an act of protest, did not join this meeting. However, Mr. Abdul Rahman Ahmadi – PGO spokesperson said in the meeting that he was insulted by Mr. Behzad and thus, he rejected to give an interview and share information with him.
Deputy Governor promised in the meeting to look over the case of Mr. Behzad. Deputy Governor included that both parties bear equal responsibilities, the media, and the government. As the media should not misuse the name, professionalism, and resources they have. Journalists, he added, in case of any insult or misbehavior, should register their case and seek justice, before attempting suicide.
Other serious issues related to the media, for instance, increasing taxes on print media, lack of information sharing with the media particularly by the legal and security officials, and other issues were also discussed during this meeting.
At the end, H.E. the Governor concluded that government is committed to share all information with the public through media on a legal and institutional base and there is no limitations in this regard. However, if there is an issue or problem with the media work, journalists should contact the government to come over the issues.
Ishaq Akrami, Bamyan
