Investigative journalism under dire threat: CEO

KABUL (Pajhwok): Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Abdullah Abdullah on Saturday expressed shock over persistent threats from government officials to journalists, saying investigative journalism was on the verge of downward trend because of threats.

Speaking at a national conference: “Media and the decade of change,” Abdullah said that journalists were honestly carrying forward their responsibilities to share people’s voice for the past 13 years.

He said freedom of expression and improvement of media was important components but said that negative behavior of government officials against journalists was a matter of concern.

Calling violence against journalists from government officials shocking, the CEO said that security organs were ordered to prevent any violent directed against press.

Investigative journalism was facing downward trend media channels revealed corruption of some government officials, he said, adding that despite access to information law had been approved by the parliament, but some officials yet to fully implement it.

Amid reports that Taliban spokespersons share information before government, Abdullah acknowledged that Taliban share their information earlier and stressed that government should also make their view point on issues well before time.

“The aim of militants is spreading terror among people. We should not let Taliban to utilize media,” he said.

Abdullah said the government has always supported media and pledged to continue the trend in future.

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