Journalist severely injured in Afghanistan suicide bombing dies

December 23, 2014

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and the Afghanistan Independent Journalists Association (AIJA) are saddened by the news that a journalist who was severely injured in a suicide bombing two weeks ago in Kabul, Afghanistan has died.

Zubair Hatami, a journalist and cameraman for local Mitra TV in Kabul, died around midnight on Saturday, December 20 after 10 days in a coma. He was severely wounded after a teenage suicide bomber detonated his explosives during a theatre show at Estiqlal High School on December 11. One other, a German civilian, was also killed and nearly 20 others were injured in the attack.

Shortly after the attack, the Taliban claimed responsibility and issued a statement threatening media organisations, journalists and civil society with more attacks.

Hatami’s funeral was held on Sunday, December 21, attended by his colleagues, journalists and family members. Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and Chief Executive Office Abdullah Abdullah also extended their deepest sympathies on Hatami’s death.

The IFJ and AIJA strongly condemn the brutal attack; and expresses condolences to the family of the deceased journalists.

AIJA General Secretary, Samandar Rahimullah, said: "This statement created new concerns, fear and terror among media and journalists. Some organization even removed their signs and billboards from their offices. I am sure this fear and terror of Taliban will create self-censorship in media and journalists work."

IFJ Asia Pacific Acting Director, Jane Worthington, said: “This is tragic news, the region’s journalistic community is deeply saddened by the death of journalist Hatami in the senseless attack.”

The IFJ reports that the death toll of journalists in Afghanistan has reached eight for this year - a significant spike on previous years with many journalists directly targeted before and after the country’s presidential election.”

The IFJ’s killed list is due for release on December 31, shows that Afghanistan continues to be one of the most dangerous for the journalists in the world and is currently ranked second in the Asia-Pacific region.

“The IFJ welcomed the commitments made by the new Afghanistan government on impunity in November and we strongly urge further cooperation and communication with all areas of state and civil society to improve the deadly situation for journalists in Afghanistan.”

For more information contact:
International Federation of Journalists (IFJ)
Phone: +61 2 9333 0950
Website: www.ifj.org

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