A bomb planted in a former news anchor’s car exploded in Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan, killing 3 people in the car including the anchor.
According to the report of the American news agency Associated Press (AP), the police officials said that the death of Emma Siavash is being investigated and no one has yet accepted the responsibility of the incident.
Emma Siavash most recently worked at the Central Bank of Afghanistan, before which she was a prominent political and current affairs anchor for Tolo News, the country’s largest private TV channel.
He was riding in a bank vehicle along with a senior employee and the driver, all three persons were killed in the blast.
Abdullah Abdullah, who heads the peace and reconciliation efforts in Afghanistan, said in a statement that ‘targeting the press is targeting freedom of expression and the death of Yema Sawash is a great loss for the country.’
Afghan President Ashraf Ghani’s spokesman Siddique Siddiqui said that this is an unforgivable and unforgivable crime and condemned the killing of Emma Vyash as one of the most talented anchors in Afghanistan.
According to initial reports, when the bomb planted in Sama Siyavash’s car exploded, he was near his house and according to eyewitnesses, his brother and father were the first to reach the burning car after the explosion.
It should be noted that Afghanistan has seen an increase in violent acts during the recent month, earlier an attack in Kabul University killed 22 people, most of whom were students.
Also on October 24, an attack on an educational institution in the capital, Kabul, killed 24 people and was claimed by an organization affiliated with ISIS.
The violence in Afghanistan is increasing at a time when the Afghan government is holding talks with the Taliban in Qatar to end the decades-long war, but little progress has been made so far.
In addition, the US special representative for the Afghan reconciliation process, Zalmay Khalilzad, is pushing for a reduction in violence or a cease-fire agreement, which the Taliban rejected, saying that the future cease-fire would be part of the negotiations.
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Interview with Dr. Amina Rahimi, an Expert on Afghan Media and Security Issues
Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Rahimi. We’re deeply saddened by the recent news of the car bomb explosion in Kabul that claimed the life of former news anchor Emma Siavash and two others. Can you provide some context on the significance of this incident, especially regarding Emma Siavash’s role in Afghan media?
Dr. Rahimi: Thank you for having me. Emma Siavash was a highly respected figure in Afghan journalism, particularly known for her work in political and current affairs at Tolo News. Her transition to the Central Bank highlights the impact she had and the trust placed in her beyond the media. This attack not only takes away a prominent voice in Afghanistan but also raises serious concerns about the safety of journalists and public figures in the country.
Editor: The authorities reported that no one has claimed responsibility for the bombing yet. Given the current security dynamics in Afghanistan, what are your thoughts on who could be behind this attack?
Dr. Rahimi: The lack of responsibility claimed could indicate a few things. It might be a strategic attack by groups looking to instill fear or silence dissenting voices in the media. The Taliban has been known to target those they view as threats to their ideology or control. However, there could also be other factions involved who might see Emma as a prominent figure influencing public opinion.
Editor: With this attack occurring, what does it signal for the future of journalism and freedom of expression in Afghanistan?
Dr. Rahimi: This incident is a grave warning of the perilous environment for journalists in Afghanistan. It could lead to increased self-censorship among media professionals fearing for their lives. The assassination of a high-profile anchor could deter young and ambitious journalists from pursuing careers in media, undermining the progress that has been made in the fields of journalism and free expression since 2001. It certainly paints a bleak picture for the future.
Editor: What can be done, both locally and internationally, to support the safety of journalists in such volatile regions?
Dr. Rahimi: International support is crucial. Advocacy for journalist safety should involve pressure on the Taliban and local authorities to protect media workers. Moreover, funding for local journalism initiatives, safety training, and emergency response resources are essential for protecting journalists on the ground. International organizations must prioritize the safety of journalists in their missions and agendas.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Rahimi, for your insights into this tragic event and its implications for Afghanistan’s media landscape.
Dr. Rahimi: Thank you for shedding light on this critical issue.
Ologies, particularly educated individuals and journalists. However, it could also potentially be linked to other groups operating in the region, including ISIS, who have targeted media personnel previously. All these factors create an atmosphere of fear, putting many lives in jeopardy.
Editor: Abdullah Abdullah described the targeting of the press as an attack on freedom of expression. How significant is this statement in light of the current political climate in Afghanistan?
Dr. Rahimi: Abdullah Abdullah’s comment underscores a critical issue in Afghanistan today. Targeting journalists is akin to attacking the fundamental right to free speech. Emma Siavash’s death is emblematic of the broader struggle for freedom of expression in a country where the tensions between differing ideologies are rising. It signals a troubling trend that could deter journalists from reporting on sensitive issues, thereby stifling accountability and truth in public discourse.
Editor: Given the recent uptick in violence against civilians, including previous university and educational institution attacks, what does this mean for the future of Afghanistan as peace talks continue?
Dr. Rahimi: The increasing violence is deeply concerning, especially when juxtaposed with the ongoing peace talks with the Taliban. It suggests that negotiations are fragile and may not yield a substantial reduction in violence anytime soon. The loss of influential figures like Emma Siavash can create a chilling effect, making it harder to achieve consensus on reconciliation. Without addressing the underlying issues that fuel such attacks, I fear for the stability of not only media freedom but Afghanistan as a whole.
Editor: As the U.S. special representative pushes for a ceasefire agreement, do you think there’s any hope for a genuine resolution to this violence?
Dr. Rahimi: Hope remains, but it is dimmed by the complexities of the situation. If the Taliban continues to dismiss calls for a ceasefire as merely part of negotiations, then we might see ongoing hostilities. Both sides need to commit to genuine dialogue focused on ending violence and addressing the aspirations of the Afghan people. Only then can we hope for a future that doesn’t see more tragedies like that of Emma Siavash.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Rahimi, for sharing your insights on this tragic event and its implications for Afghanistan’s future.
Dr. Rahimi: Thank you for having me.
