20 Aug 2009 | Index Index, minipost
British broadcasters have not changed their plans for covering the Afghan election after the country’s government ordered media organisations not to report on any violence during the polls. The BBC said it would proceed with its plans for covering the presidential election, which takes place today. Sky and ITN, which produces news for ITV and Channel 4, also indicated that they would continue as planned. Read more here
19 Aug 2009 | Comment, News and features
Short-term restrictions on freedom of expression in the run-up to Thursday’s Afghan vote may mask deeper and longer term steps to curtail the rights of the media that independent journalists may find harder to resist, says Rohan Jayasekera
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19 Aug 2009 | Index Index, minipost
Afghanistan has ordered all journalists not to report incidents of violence during tomorrow’s presidential election amid fears that such coverage will deter people from voting. Two decrees were issued, one from the foreign ministry banning all broadcasts of information about violence while polls were open, and the other from the interior ministry requiring reporters to keep away from the scene of any attacks. It comes admist news that officals will shut 440 polling stations due to fears of fraud. Read more here
17 Aug 2009 | Index Index, minipost
The Taliban in Afghanistan has threatened to cut off voters’ fingers and attack polling stations in its bid to force Afghans to boycott the presidential elections. One of the so-called “night letters”, pinned up around villages in southern Afghanistan threatened that the Taliban would cut off the noses and ears of those who vote on Thursday. Fingers stained with ink, the sign of having cast a vote, will also be hacked off, the warning said. Read more here
