His Excellency Jawed Ludin
Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan to Canada
240 Argyle Ave.
Ottawa, Ontario K2P 1B9

August 24, 2009

Dear Ambassador,

I am writing on behalf of Canadian Journalists for Free Expression (CJFE), a non-profit, non-governmental organization that works to promote and protect press freedom and freedom of expression around the world.

CJFE is deeply concerned about the media ban that was enforced during the August 20 elections in Afghanistan. The media were prohibited from reporting on any violence that erupted on polling day and journalists were ordered to avoid scenes of violence.

Afghan authorities continue to defend the ban, which was announced on August 18, explaining that reporting on violence would have discouraged people from voting on Election Day. Police reportedly detained at least three foreign journalists and several local journalists, and began beating journalists who disobeyed the ban, though no serious injuries were reported.

CJFE believes that it is essential for the media to be able to report freely during an election. The democratic process requires that people have access to independent information and are able to inform themselves about the issues and events that affect them so deeply.

CJFE urges Afghan authorities to investigate the cases of abuse and detention that took place during Election Day. We hope that the press freedoms outline in your country's constitution will be strongly upheld during the upcoming Presidential term. We thank you for your attention and look forward to your reply.

Yours sincerely,

Arnold Amber, President

c.c.: William Crosbie, Ambassador of Canada to Afghanistan;
The Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs