Kunduz, Afghanistan: Afghan Journalists Safety Committee (AJSC) strongly condemns today’s attack on Radio Zohra and urges the government to undertake a thorough investigation so the perpetrators are brought to justice and the information is shared with the media and public.
Radio Zohra is a local Radio operating in Kunduz province, northern Afghanistan. Based on a local individual who participated today in Friday prayer, when delivering the Khutba (remarks) by Mawlawi Abdul Basir, music was mixed with the mosque sound system. After which Mawlawi and other clergies present there, instructed people to attack Radio Zohra.
Mawlawi Abdul Basir and his followers at 01:30 PM today using force, entered the building, broke the radio station door and all the radio equipment.
According to Mohsin Ahmadi, editor-in-Chief of the Radio while doing Friday prayer, music was mixed with the mosque sound system. Subsequently, Mawlawi Abdul Basir instructed the attack on Radio without any further confirmation on where the music sound came from.
This happens while, based on Mr. Ahmadi, the Radio was not broadcasting today from 09:00 AM – 01:00 PM due to a power outage.
AJSC believes, at this particular juncture where journalists are targeted intentionally and threats against journalists and media are on the rise, protection, and safety of journalists and media is crucial.
