The IFJ, the global organisation representing over 500,000 journalists in more than 110 countries, is deeply concerned for the health and safety of Afghani journalist, Ezatullah Zawab.
On most recent information received by the IFJ, it appears that Meena editor, Ezatullah Zawab, is currently with Afghani authorities after he went missing on September 2.
On September 8, Zawab, was found unconscious in the Samarkhel area of Nangarhar province by a mobile customs patrol at approximately 1.00am, and was taken by police to governor's house. He was in a very bad state of health.
"The IFJ is utterly shocked by this case," said the IFJ President Christopher Warren.
"We are worried about Zawab's safety and wellbeing. Authorities have not made it clear what has happened to Zawab or why they are still holding him, and they haven't yet allowed any outside visitors to see him," said the IFJ President.
Zawab telephoned Afghan Independent Journalists Association (AIJA) president, Rahimullah Samander, on his mobile shortly after being found, saying he had been kidnapped and interrogated by unknown men believed to be from Jalalabad city.
The journalist said he was detained in a basement, badly treated, starved, and interrogated. Zawab was repeatedly asked why he had 'insulted' Mujahiddine and religious clerics in his reports. He was also asked about political affiliations.
It was previously believed that Zawab was being held by authorities for his reporting on local religious scholars and authorities in the Information and Culture Department.
Nangarhar province police have assured the AIJA that doctors have been appointed by the Ningarhar governor to tend to Zawab.
Meanwhile two other incidents have raised IFJ concerns about authorities threatening and abusing Afghani journalists.
On September 8, Kabul based journalist for Afghan Voice Agency (AVA), Salim Wahdat, was detained and badly beaten by intelligence officials. Wahdat is being held along with another AVA reporter, Ruhullah Jalali who was taken into custody while visiting Wahdat in jail.
In a separate incident, the governor of Kandahar made a verbal death threat against Liberty Radio reporter and AIJA member, Javed Wafa, over recently published articles.
The IFJ calls on all Afghani authorities to release the journalists they are detaining and respect the rights and safety of journalists.
For further information contact Christopher Warren on +61 411 757 668.
The IFJ represents over 500,000 journalists in more than 110 countries
