Condemnation of Terrorist Attack Targeting Media Organizations in Afghanistan

Afghanistan lost seven of its dedicated youth to a brutal attack by terrorists that injured twenty more people on 20 January 2016.

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