Kabul, 08 August 2012
Afghanistan Journalists Center (AfJC) expresses serious concerns over Iran’s latest efforts in funding and establishing journalists associations in Afghanistan. AfJC also requests the Afghan government to pursue the matter seriously.
According to 8am newspaper’s article, the topic of association establishment was discussed in an official dinner organized by the Iranian Embassy in Kabul on Friday.
According to the paper, the dining participants included Jawad Mohseni of Tamadon TV, Zia Danish of Noor TV, Hussaini Mazari of Ensaf daily, Zekrya Rahil of Aina TV, representatives of Kausar TV, Shakis daily, as well as Rushd and Sahifa publications.
The paper further writes that Nasir Jahan Shahi, Cultural Affairs officer of Iranian Embassy along with some media managers and reporters who were present at the dining party agreed to work for a “united goal”.
The paper claims that the Iranian Cultural Affairs Officer offered provision of funding for establishment of “content oriented” journalists association in Afghanistan.
It has also been agreed at the party that Mr. Rizwani Bamiani will be the head of association, while Mr. Jawad Mohseni of Tamadon TV the first deputy and Mr. Zekrya Rahil of Aina TV will serve as the second deputy.
However, Mr. Jawad Mohseni, who has been proposed as the first deputy for the association refused the matter, saying that the topic has been taken out of content.
Mr. Mohseni told Radio Azadi that they sometimes come together as content oriented media council aiming to improve the publication quality of religious programs.
Radio Azadi has also quoted the National Security Department spokesperson, Lotfullah Mashal as saying on facebook page “We have to be watchful of such slavery acts. With due respect to freedom of speech and with expression of full support from the patriotic journalists associations, we will stop such movements from taking place.”
Din Mohammad Mobariz Rashidi, Deputy Information and Culture Minister has also said that in accordance with the country’s laws, no foreigners have the right to establish journalists associations.
Mr. Rashidi said, “In current situation of Afghanistan it is impossible to establish any journalists associations on recommendations of foreign countries. But we would like to abide by all Afghan laws and regulations. Therefore, the Afghan government requests the countries that are willing to support the Afghan media to offer their help via legal and transparent government channels.”
The accusation on Iran’s efforts in establishing the journalists associations in Afghanistan comes in such a time, when country is named as “Reporters and media activists Prison” by the Reporters without Borders.