AMSO: Forced Deportation of Afghan Journalists Is a Clear Violation of Press Freedom
Tawazon – The Afghanistan Media Support Organization (AMSO) has expressed concern over the forced expulsion of Afghan journalists from neighboring countries, calling such actions a violation of press freedom and journalists’ rights.
In a statement released today, Wednesday (September 24), AMSO reported that Pakistani police detained Afghan journalist Jawad Etimad in the country’s Faisal Town.
According to the statement, this incident is part of a series of ongoing actions in Pakistan, Iran, Turkey, and India where Afghan journalists have been subjected to mistreatment, arrests and deportations. Such actions represent a clear violation of press freedom and the human rights of journalists.
AMSO also reiterated its call through an ongoing campaign urging Pakistan, Iran, Turkey, and India to stop deporting Afghan journalists and to respect their legitimate rights, including the right to safety and freedom of media activity.
The organization urged these countries to uphold international human rights principles and to refrain from expelling journalists or subjecting them to any form of inhumane treatment.
The statement further emphasized that journalists fulfill a vital professional and human responsibility by providing information and raising public awareness. It stressed that they must not be pressured or punished because of their asylum status or media work.
AMSO also called on human rights and press freedom organizations worldwide to take serious action in response and to support Afghan journalists across neighboring countries and the wider region.
