CPJ wants Hamesha Bahar Radio & TV back on the air

JALALABAD (Pajhwok): The Committee to Protect Journalist (CPJ) has called on the caretaker government of Afghanistan to allow the Hamesha Bahar Radio and Television to resume broadcasts in eastern Nangarhar province.
The media outlet was shut down on August 1 — two days after officials of the 4th police district of Jalalabad stopped a journalism workshop at the radio/TV station.
Information and culture department officials had earlier told Pajhwok Afghan News a legal case had been filed against Atal Khan Stanikzai, head of Hamesha Bahar Radio and Television. Despite being summoned several times, he did not appear before the police, who later raided his office.
However, Atal had told journalists that security forces had attacked his office and banned the workshop related to journalism, insulted his colleagues and tried to arrest him.
Two days after the incident, 4th police district personnel once again went to the radio/TV station and closed it.
Officials had also said the reason for the closure of the radio was the “wrong coverage” of the subject.
In a statement, the Committee to Protect Journalists urged the resumption of broadcasting of the Hamesha Bahar Radio and Television.
The committee said putting pressure on the media in Afghanistan should come to an end.
On the other hand, Stanikzai also asked the government to allow them to resume their programmes.
In addition to Hamesha Bahar Radio and Television, he added, they had two other radio stations, which had been also closed.
Reports say the interim government has tasked a special commission with probing the issue and deciding on whether or not the media outlet should be allowed to go back on the air. A decision in this regard is expected over the next few days.
kk/mud

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