KABUL - An Afghan media watchdog today reported a 64 per cent increase in violence against journalists in 2014 and called for greater protection of media workers.

“2014 was the worst year for journalists in Afghanistan,” the Director of Nai-Supporting Open Media in Afghanistan, Siddiqullah Tawhidi, said at a news conference in the Afghan capital, Kabul.

Mr. Tawhidi called on the leaders of the Government of National Unity to fulfill their promises to ensure the full implementation of laws related to defending the rights of journalists and ensuring freedom of speech in the country so that 2015 becomes a better year for journalists.

Nai reported a total of 125 cases of violence against journalists in 2014, up from 76 cases in 2013.

Mr. Tawhidi noted that the violence included eight cases of murder, nine cases of serious injury, 20 cases of arrest, 38 cases of physical assault and 50 cases of threats being made.

Nai attributed 80 of cases of violence to the Government, 11 cases to the Taliban, five cases to international security forces. The identities of those responsible for 29 cases were unknown.

Mr. Tawhidi emphasized the need for “more coordination and integrity” among media institutions so that they are able to better defend their rights, and described the recent endorsement of an ‘Access to Information’ law by the country’s President as the “biggest achievement” in the Afghan media environment in 2014.

The United Nations supports the fundamental principles of press freedom and the role played by the media in society. The world body has previously noted that independent, free and pluralistic media have a crucial role to play in the good governance of democratic societies, by ensuring transparency and accountability, promoting participation and the rule of law, and contributing to the fight against poverty.