Journalists claim Taliban will hold open trial of Ahmad Javed Niazi

A number of Afghan journalists have expressed serious concerns about the public trial of Ahmad Javed Niazi, the owner of the Paygard news agency.

According to published information, the Taliban are scheduled to hold an open trial for this journalist on Saturday; while according to journalists and media activists, no clear and documented charges have been presented against him so far and concerns about the filing of a case against him have increased.

Afghan journalists do not consider this action to be just an ordinary legal case, but rather describe it as a serious alarm for freedom of expression, media freedom and the safety of journalists in Afghanistan.

They warn that continued pressure on independent media and journalists could further restrict the free information space and expose media activity in the country to wider threats.

Journalists have also called on media institutions, human rights activists, and organizations defending freedom of expression to follow this issue seriously and to protect the rights of journalists and independent media outlets through legal and civil means.

According to them, a journalist and an independent media outlet should not be allowed to fall victim to political restrictions and pressures.