EU expects thorough probe into killing of media workers

KABUL (Pajhwok): The European Union (EU) has denounced the killing of three female workers of a private TV network in eastern Nangarhar province. A EU spokesperson condemned the shooting of Enikas employees in Jalalabad and called for an immediate halt to attacks on journalists and women.

In a statement, the EU Spokesperson said the killing of Mursal Wahedi, Shahnaz Raofi and Sadya Sadat “in atrocious, planned assassinations deprives three young individuals of their future, and their families, friends and colleagues of loved ones.” The three women worked for Enikas TV – the same news channel where slain Malalai Maiwand had worked.

Maiwand was killed, along with her driver, in a targeted assassination in December. The EU said in its statement that following the killing of Maiwand, these attacks further illustrate the vulnerable and dangerous situation that media workers, especially women, face. “It also continues a worrying trend of systematic, targeted attacks and killings of journalists, human rights defenders, civil society representatives and civil servants, which cost the lives of 1,200 civilians in 2020, a 45% increase compared to 2019.

“The Taliban remain responsible for the majority of civilian casualties and targeted assassinations, either directly or by opposing a ceasefire. “Targeting journalists must stop. Targeting women must stop. The violence in Afghanistan must stop,” added the statement.. Expecting transparent and thorough investigations of these attacks and assassinations, the EU said: “We mourn together with those affected and reiterate our resolve to support media and the freedom of speech in Afghanistan.” Also, the Islamic State (Daesh) claimed responsibility for the attack. The militant group said its fighters targeted the three female employees of Enikas TV.