BALKH (The Killid) – The disruption of telecommunications networks in Balkh province has caused local reporters to face numerous problems in terms of communications, as a number of journalists and media practitioners voiced out for solution.
During a press conference Wednesday, local reporters and media outlet representatives in Balkh province said for the past two weeks all networks – expect Salam – is barred, which limits to communicate in their field.
Mohammad Bashir Ansari, provincial head of the Afghan Journalists Safety Committee, said local authorities take advantage of such a situation, escaping interviews with journalists.
In just a week, at least four journalists in Balkh province were affronted and threatened by security forces and Salam network’s security guards, he added.
Meanwhile, Mobina Andesh, Provincial head of the Nai Supporting Afghanistan Open Media, said shutting off telecommunications networks has made it difficult for information disseminations in Balkh, as she called for local authorities to bring perpetrators of violence against journalists to justice.
· Residents Raise Concern over Telecom Companies Closure
· Officials Bar Private Telecom Offices in Balkh
Residents started raising concerns after local government stopped private telecommunication companies from operating and barred its offices throughout the province, as what is believed to have not complied with government order.
“Local authorities in Balkh warned all the telecommunication networks to re-launch its operations during night, its provincial offices will be barred otherwise, and its employees will be introduced to the Attorney General on suspicion of cooperation with the government’s armed opposition,” Munir Ahamad Farhad, Spokesman for the Balkh Governor, said.
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Jawad Nabi Zada of The Killid Group has contributed to this report.
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