CPJ alarmed by Taliban threat to kill Afghan journalist Ajmal Nakshbandi
New York, March 30, 2007—The Committee to Protect Journalists is alarmed by reports that Taliban leader Mullah Dadullah has threatened to kill kidnapped Afghan journalist and translator Ajmal Nakshbandi unless President Hamid Karzai negotiates his release. Ajmal remains in Taliban custody nearly four weeks after he was abducted in Helmand province on March 4, along…
Press for release of Afghan journalist Ajmal Nakshbandi
Dear Colleagues, We are asking you–journalists and news organizations–to help pressure the Afghan government to work for the release of Ajmal Nakshbandi, the freelance Afghan journalist who was seized with La Repubblica reporter Daniele Mastrogiacomo and the group’s driver Sayed Agha. As you know, Agha was beheaded a few days after the men were taken on March 5. According to most sources, Ajmal is still being held by the Taliban group that abducted them and is still somewhere in Helmand province.
CPJ renews call for release of Afghan journalist Ajmal Naskhbandi
New York, March 22, 2007—The Committee to Protect Journalists remains concerned about kidnapped Afghan freelance journalist Ajmal Naskhbandi, who was acting as La Repubblica reporter Daniele Mastrogiacomo’s translator when they were abducted by the Taliban on March 5. The two men and their driver Sayed Agha—who was beheaded while the group was held—were seized by…
CPJ calls for release of Afghan translator Ajmal Naskhbandi
New York, March 20, 2007— The Committee to Protect Journalists is greatly concerned about Afghan freelance journalist Ajmal Naskhbandi, who was kidnapped over two weeks ago while acting as La Repubblica reporter Daniele Mastrogiacomo’s translator. “We call on the Afghan government to do everything in its power to secure the release of our colleague Ajmal…
In Gaza, BBC correspondent still missing after a week
New York, March 19, 2007—The Committee to Protect Journalists today renewed its call for the release of BBC correspondent Alan Johnston who was abducted in the Gaza Strip one week ago. “We’re deeply concerned that Alan Johnston has been missing for a week now, and we appeal to those holding our colleague to release him…
Taliban release Italian reporter, fate of translator unknown
New York, March 19, 2007— The Committee to Protect Journalists welcomes news that Italian daily La Repubblica reporter Daniele Mastrogiacomo has been released today by Taliban kidnappers after two weeks in captivity. CPJ is alarmed by Taliban claims that Mastrogiacomo’s Afghan translator Ajmal Naskhbandi was not released, despite earlier reports that he was also freed.…
On 4th anniversary of Iraq conflict, press marks deadliest toll
New York, March 15, 2007—Four years after the U.S.-led invasion to topple Saddam Hussein, Iraq remains the deadliest country in the world for the press as local journalists continue to suffer disproportionately from the violence, research by the Committee to Protect Journalists shows. A total of 97 journalists and 37 media support staffers have been…
In Afghanistan, journalist pleads for Italian authorities to meet his kidnappers’ demands
New York, March 15, 2007—The Committee to Protect Journalists called for the immediate release of abducted La Repubblica reporter Daniele Mastrogiacomo, as his recorded appeals to authorities to meet the kidnappers’ demands were released today. The Pajhwok Afghan News agency in Kabul, the country’s largest independent wire service, received an audio tape of Mastrogiacomo saying…
CPJ urges Sri Lankan official to ensure paper supplies are delivered to Jaffna without interference
Dear Minister Yapa: The Committee to Protect Journalists is distressed by the shortage of newsprint in the northern peninsula of Jaffna, which seriously threatens the ability of major Tamil-language newspapers to continue publishing. The Sri Lankan government has a duty to safeguard the right of Jaffna residents to receive and impart news and information, and should ensure that vital paper supplies are delivered without interference.
CPJ renews calls for release of BBC correspondent in Gaza
New York, March 13, 2007—The Committee to Protect Journalists today renewed its call for the release of abducted BBC Gaza correspondent Alan Johnston amid reports that the Hamas-led Palestinian government had identified his abductors and expected him to be freed soon. During a meeting in Gaza City, Palestinian Prime Minister Ismail Haniya told BBC representatives…