Free Women Writers is facilitating a fundraiser for Etilaat Roz Newspaper to support free press in Afghanistan. Click here to make a tax deductible donation.
For ten years, Etilaat Roz has been a torch bearer in the media revolution in Afghanistan.
Etilaat Roz Newspaper, awarded Transparency International’s 2020 Anti-Corruption Award, has been at the forefront of holding the powerful to account in Afghanistan. Its investigative journalism uncovered systemic corruption at the heart of the Afghan government. Despite threats, Etilaat Roz Newspaper have champion democratic values and freedom of press in Afghanistan. Already operating under difficult financial constraints and with its journalists regularly risking their lives, the newspaper never gave up its work.
Free press and journalists are are under attack. The Taliban have detained and tortured Etilaat Roz journalists.
On September 8, 2021, two Etilaat Roz journalists covering Afghan women’s protests in Kabul were detained and severely tortured. When they attempted to negotiate the freedom of their colleagues, three other Etilaat Roz journalists were detained by the Taliban. The journalists have been freed but the threats against them persist. This is only one example of how the Taliban are curbing free press in Afghanistan. Their administration has also recently released guidelines for press members restricting reporting that is “against Islam and contrary to national interests.” This is the final nail on the coffin of free press in Afghanistan.
We must band together to support Etilaat Roz journalists and help sustain their work.
Etilaat Roz needs your solidarity and support. You can help its survival by helping the newspaper pay its fearless journalists and staff, cover medical costs for tortured journalists, and pay for publishing costs to sustain their work.
This fundraising is authorized by Etilaat Roz and 100% of the funds will be sent to them directly.
Donate here. Thank you!
Campaign photo credit: Marcus Yam/Los Angeles Times