exactly as received**
To: IFEX Autolist (other news of interest)
From: Canadian Journalists for Free Expression (CJFE), jpayne@cjfe.org
CJFE Calls for Investigation into Murdered Journalists in Afghanistan
(Toronto, June 7, 2007) Canadian Journalists for Free Expression (CJFE) ishorrified by the news of a second female journalist murdered in the pastweek in Afghanistan. Radio reporter Zakia Zaki was killed on June 5 andtelevision reporter Shokiba Sanga Amaaj was killed on June 1.
Zakia Zaki was the head of private radio station Sada-e-Sulh (Peace Radio)from the northern province of Pawan. It broadcast programs dealing witheducation, human rights and women's rights. Two men allegedly enteredthrough her bedroom window, and shot her seven times. None of her sixchildren were harmed including her baby who was sleeping in her bed at thetime of the murder.
The independent Association of Afghan Journalists described Zaki as "independent and courageous," and said that she had received death threats and demands to take the station off the air.
22-year old Shokiba Sanga Amaaj was a popular reporter and host for Shamshad Television.
"The development of a vibrant press in Afghanistan that includes male andfemale reporters and editors has been one of the real success stories sincethe overthrow of the Taliban," stated CJFE President Arnold Amber. "Thegovernment must do everything in its power to bring these murderers tojustice and protect the safety of all its journalists."
CJFE is extremely concerned about these murders which may be intended tosend a warning to other female journalists working in Afghanistan. Sincethe end of Taliban rule five and a half years ago, the number of Afghanwomen working in journalism and communications has grown to an estimatedthousand. It is vital that while these women are bravely stepping into newand often very visible roles in the broadcast and print media, that women'srights and their participation in civil society is fully supported,especially by the government.
Two journalists with extensive backgrounds in Afghanistan, Canadian JaneMcElhone and Khorshied Samad have mounted a photographic exhibition called"Voices on the Rise: Afghan Women Making the News", which provides a lookinto the lives of Afghan women journalists, producers, managers, writers,photographers and filmmakers. It will be shown at the Alliance Fran?aisein Toronto from June 15 to July 5.
Canadian Journalists for Free Expression (CJFE) is an association of morethan 300 journalists, editors, publishers, producers, students and otherswho work to promote and defend free expression and press freedom in Canadaand around the world.
**The information contained in this autolist item is the sole responsibility of CJFE**
