(RSF/IFEX) – The following is an RSF press release: AFGHANISTAN Independent Canadian journalist kidnapped Reporters sans frontières fears for his life Reporters sans frontières (RSF) is seriously concerned following the abduction of independent Canadian journalist Ken Hechtman in southern Afghanistan. “In view of the recent killings of eight journalists in Afghanistan, the threats to execute […]
(RSF/IFEX) – The following is an RSF press release:
AFGHANISTAN
Independent Canadian journalist kidnapped
Reporters sans frontières fears for his life
Reporters sans frontières (RSF) is seriously concerned following the abduction of independent Canadian journalist Ken Hechtman in southern Afghanistan. “In view of the recent killings of eight journalists in Afghanistan, the threats to execute the journalist have to be taken very seriously,” stated RSF Secretary-General Robert Ménard. The hundreds of foreign journalists who are currently in Afghanistan are an easy target for the routed Taliban and bandits. The organisation fears that the situation on the ground will become more and more dangerous for the press, involving kidnappings, extortion, attacks, etc. RSF calls on special correspondents to be extremely cautious. “To our knowledge, tragically, there have been more deaths in the ranks of the press than among western soldiers engaged on the ground during the war in Afghanistan,” recalled Robert Ménard.
Reporters sans frontières believes that the new authorities in Afghanistan also have a responsibility to respond to foreign journalists’ requests for protection. The organisation repeats its request that the Afghan authorities investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths of the eight foreign journalists.
According to information collected by RSF, Ken Hechtman, an independent Canadian journalist, was kidnapped and threatened with execution by unknown persons in Spin Boldak (in south-east Afghanistan). Mohammed Zia, an Afghan, gave Jonathan Steele, a correspondent from the British daily The Guardian, one of the Canadian’s business cards, on which it was written that the journalist was abducted by the Taliban and might be executed unless a ransom was paid. Ken Hechtman is reportedly being detained in a small cell. His feet and hands have allegedly been chained. His jailers reportedly beat him.
Montreal Mirror director Alastair Sutherland has confirmed Ken Hechtman’s abduction. Ken Hechtman, aged 32, is an unemployed computer scientist. He has no prior war reporting experience. He chose to cover the conflict from Taliban-controlled zones. This has allowed him to sell articles to several Canadian publications since October. Ken Hechtman’s last article was dated 15 November. It is signed, “from a Taliban-controlled area.” A Montreal Mirror manager told RSF that he last heard from Ken Hechtman on 24 November 2001.
In the last few days, the Taliban and local Pashtun leaders have been fighting for control of the city of Spin Boldak, which is located a few kilometres from Chaman, at the Afghan-Pakistani border. On 26 November, the Taliban reportedly evacuated the city, which was allegedly the scene of widespread looting. Yesterday, the Taliban stated that they still controlled this strategic city, which is located on the road between Quetta and Kandahar. Last week, the Taliban invited a group of foreign journalists to Spin Boldak. They stayed in the city for two days and met with Mullah Omar’s spokesperson. Several western governments have recently warned the press of a Taliban plan to take journalists hostage.
