Cases against media outlets in AGO closed

KABUL (Pajhwok): All cases against media outlets referred to the Attorney General Office (AGO) have been closed, the chief presidential spokesman announced on Thursday.

Aimal Faizi told Pajhwok Afghan News the decision came at a high-level meeting, chaired by President Hamid Karzai and attended by senior judicial officials.

The decision is reflective of President Karzai’s promise to waive off cases against journalists. The president had held out the promise at a recent meeting with media representatives.  

Faizi said senior judicial officials met today at the Presidential Palace, where the issue was taken up. The participants agreed on closing the cases referred to AGO against media organisations.

But the cases being heard by court would be withdrawn when the Ministry of Justice floats a proposal to the president, according to the spokesman. Based on such a proposal, Karzai will issue a decree pardoning defendants.

Over the past few years, a number of cases have been pending against different media outlets in AGO and courts. They have been accused by the Information Ministry of violating professional ethics.

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