Statement No: 192
Yesterday, terrorists attacked the headquarters of Shamshad TV which resulted in the martyrdom of one of the station’s guards and the injury of a number of its employees and security forces.
Afghanistan National Journalists Union (ANJU) issued a statement in the very beginning of the incident asking the security forces to protect the lives of Shamshad TV’s employees.
The leadership of ANJU along other officials of journalist support unions visited the site of the incident to affirm their sympathy and support for the victims and also praised the professional containment of the situation by security forces.
Since the occurrence of the incident, government authorities, MPs, representatives of civil society, and journalists from different provinces have widely supported Shamshad TV, its employees, and the whole free media and freedom of expression in general.
ANJU while welcomes this widespread support, deems it as an appreciation of freedom of speech and civil values.
We believe that such support is a sign of an extraordinary understanding of freedom of speech by the people of Afghanistan and it acknowledges the fact that the activities of media has significant importance, and there is a united voice in support and defense of media among Afghans.
As we once again consider the terrorist attack on Shamshad TV as a crime against humanity, affirm that such terrorist attacks not only doesn’t stop or harm the activities of media in the country; but strengthens the opposition of the people against terrorism.
Executive council of Afghanistan National Journalists Union (ANJU)
