NUJ expresses grave concern at unlawful arrest of journalists in Afghanistan
The National Union of Journalists has expressed grave concern at the unlawful arrest of two journalists working on assignment with the UNHCR in Afghanistan.
One of the two journalists kidnapped is former BBC correspondent Andrew North, who has covered Afghanistan over many years and is highly respected for his work. The other journalist has not been named.
The UNHCR announced in a tweet:
"Two journalists on assignment with UNHCR and Afghan nationals working with them have been detained in Kabul. We are doing our utmost to resolve the situation, in coordination with others"
"Andrew was in Kabul working for the UNHCR, trying to help the people of Afghanistan," his wife Natalia Antelava tweeted."We are extremely concerned for his safety & call on anyone with influence to help secure his release."
Amrullah Saleh, former vice president, and now leader of the exiled Afghan resistance, described it as "kidnapping".
Michelle Stanistreet, general secretary NUJ, said: “This is a shocking development, the latest in a series of disturbing attacks on journalists and journalism in the region. Our thoughts are with the families, colleagues and friends of the two journalists. The welfare of the victims of this abduction, who were engaged in vital humanitarian work with the UNHCR, is of utmost concern and every effort must be made by those in positions of influence to secure their release.”