The IFJ has called for the lifting of all censorship reporting from Afghanistan as rumours spread of violence and chaos in the wake of presidential elections taking place today.

"The world needs to know about what's happening in the streets of Kabul," said Aidan White, IFJ General Secretary. "The ban on reporting is only encouraging ignorance, speculations and fear".

The Afghan government issued a statement on 18th August asking all news agencies to refrain from covering any incidents of violence between 6 am and 8 pm on election day, fearing that such coverage would dissuade people from voting.

The IFJ this morning received a number of reports of violence across the country and incidents of targeting and intimidation of journalists on the spot.

The IFJ says that the plight of journalists has been made worse because of the news blackout imposed by the government.

"This ban is wrong-headed and has only encouraged extremists to step up their attacks" said White.


Further Information: Aidan White, IFJ: +32 478258669