Journalists of Afghanistan may experience worse conditions by the end of the current solar year (May 2014), the Afghan agency of supporting open media said Monday, pointing out that there has been an notable increase of violence against journalists over the past week.
Nai, Supporting Open Media said that Ministry of Information and Culture has recently put together a new plan for implementation of two fresh articles for impeding violence against journalists.
Last week saw eight cases of such violence, especially security threats from commanders who are within the structure of the government as well as those who are not, Nai agency's head said.
"Freedom of speech and freedom of thoughts are of rights of the people of Afghanistan, and supporting journalists safety are of government's responsibilities," Nai chief, Sediqullah Tawhidi said at a press conference in Kabul, "What we demand is while the government stands next to the journalists and freedom of speech, it should also provide security to the media."
Nai's remarks come as ministries of defence and interior said they will not hesitate any support and assistance to the journalists.
"Journalists – at any place, in any province, and at any time – can contact the defence ministry and ask us [to act]," said Dawlat Waziri, deputy spokesman of Ministry of National Defence. "We will be ready to serve, and to support them."
Condemning acts of violence against journalists, the interior ministry said it is to found a new commission to inspect the acts.
"We are going to send a decree from Ministry of Interior Affairs to the police commanders this week, and It will be serious," said Seddiq Seddiqi, spokesman of interior ministry.
Nai asked both the Afghan parliament and senate to hold back approving of illegal policies against the country's media.