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With the Name of God
The Afghan Civil Society Forum (ACSF) and
its partner Civil Society Organizations Network pass on many happy returns
of the International Day of Media and Freedom of Speech to the supporters of
democracy, justice and freedom.
Democracy does not accept
authoritarian conditions. Democracy is characterized by a balance of
interests and not by domination. A balance of interests and mutual
understanding can only be attainable if we are allowed to articulate
our thoughts.
Alas! Afghanistan celebrates the Freedom of
Speech Day when the Afghan lettered community is still mournful for the
Ajmal Naqshbandi’s
martyrdom.
Governmental
officials are deprived of participating in the political and critical
debates and political interviews with media. Correspondents are being
threatened, affronted and kidnapped. Last year, correspondents were slapped
into the face by the Parliament.
The Taliban likewise continue kidnapping and
killing journalists.
Last year’s reports show that the freedom of
speech is seriously threatened.
Concerns have been raised about the Law of
Mass Media, as the Parliament is intending to inflict significant
limitations on the Media Law.
The Afghan Civil Society Forum (ACSF)
believes that we should celebrate this day in order to defend the freedom of
speech and media.
This day can be a source for formative
discussions between civil and cultural organizations and correspondents.
We
still have not reached the freedom of thought and speech that a democratic
system requires.
Thus, we cannot celebrate this day as
Freedom of Speech Day, but rather we can celebrate it as Advocacy Day for
Freedom of Speech.
Those who oppose freedom of speech, in fact
disagree with humanitarian principles and consciousness.
Providing human beings with consciousness
and reason, God has endowed humankind with the gift of superiority over all
other living beings. |
