Statement in Condemnation of Terrorist Attack Targeting Media Organizations in Afghanistan
January 21, 2016 Kabul, Afghanistan
Afghanistan lost seven of its dedicated youth to a brutal attack by terrorists that injured twenty more people yesterday. This cowardly attack targeted the progressive Tolo TV and Kaboora Production network and brought immense grief onto the families of the lost journalists and media personnel, the civil society communities, and the entire nation. As we mourn for our lost ones, we want those who committed this atrocity to know that no force can stand against freedom of speech and other gains we have had during the last decade without destroying itself.
The Women’s Political Participation Committee in Afghanistan condemns this cowardly and inhumane attack on a media organization and civilians and demands that the Government of Afghanistan take immediate action to protect our democratic values and the safety of our journalists. In addition, we share our deepest condolences and sympathy with the families of the victims of this event, the Tolo TV and Kaboora Production network and the entire media community of Afghanistan. We wish heavenly peace for the martyrs and health and recovery for those injured.
Sincerely,
Women’s Political Participation Committee in Afghanistan
Signatures in support of this statement:
Free Women Writers, Kabul, Afghanistan
Gita Sahgal, Executive Director, Center for Secular Space Iranian Circle of Women's Intercultural Network (ICWIN) Association for Women's Rights in Development (AWID) USNC for UN Women SoCal Chapter
Voices Of Women for Change
GAMCOTRAP
Women's Intercultural Network
Afghan Circle of Women's Intercultural Network Faizun Zackariya, Citizens Voice for Justice and Peace Samia Allalou, Algerian feminist based in france Ayesha Imam, women's rights activist Nigeria/Senegal Femmes et Droits Humains Mali
Codou Bop, Groupe de Recherche sur les Femmes et les Lois au Sene Donna Swita, Solidaritas Perempuan, Indonesia
Edna Aquino, WELDD and WLUML
Farida Shaheed, Shirkat Gah Women's Resource Centre
Ariane Brunet, CoFounder of Urgent Action Fund for Women's Human Rights
Source: Women’s Political Participation Committee in Afghanistan