KABUL - Condemning the killing of a Swedish-British journalist in Kabul on Tuesday, an Afghan media rights group today called on the Government of Afghanistan to take “serious measures” for ensuring the protection of journalists in the country.

“We demand that the Afghan Government strictly pursue the cases of the killing of the journalist and arrest the culprits,” said the director of ‘Nai – Supporting Open Media in Afghanistan,’ Siddiqullah Tawhidi, at a news conference in the capital, Kabul.

The killing in broad daylight of Nils Horner, a reporter with Sweden’s Sveriges Radio, by unknown armed men was the third such incident in as many months in Afghanistan, said Mr. Tawhidi.

Earlier this year, two Afghan journalists, Mohammad Shahed Naeemi in Kabul and Noor Ahmed Noori in the southern city of Helmand, were killed in separate incidents. Another journalist, Mukhtar Wafayee, was beaten by unknown men this week in the northern city of Mazar-e-Sharif.

Following the fatal shooting of Mr. Horner, the United Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) issued a news release condemning the incident.

“I am deeply concerned about civilians, be they Afghans or foreigners, being victims of targeted violence against them – moreover, this time the target was a media worker,” said the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Afghanistan and head of UNAMA, Ján Kubiš, in the news release.

Mr. Kubiš urged the authorities “to do all in their power” to bring those responsible to justice.

According to the UN Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (UNESCO), attacks on journalists and media workers represent a serious attack on citizens’ right to be kept informed. Press freedom and freedom of expression depend on the ability of journalists to carry out their work without fearing for their lives.

The latest killing has also sparked condemnations from international media rights groups.

In a news release, the New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), which seeks to promote press freedom worldwide, asked the Afghan authorities to ensure the perpetrators of Mr. Horner’s shooting are held responsible.

"This fatal attack on a journalist illustrates the growing insecurity in the Afghan capital and the apparent growing hostility toward foreigners working there," said CPJ’s Asia Program Coordinator, Bob Dietz. "News organizations and journalists should take into account that covering Kabul has become a dangerous assignment."

At today’s news conference in Kabul, Mr. Tawhidi expressed fear that “if the situation does not improve, we may witness more cases of violence against journalists in the country.”

He mentioned that with each case of violence against journalists, an atmosphere of fear affects the media, prompting self-censorship and affecting freedom of speech, particularly in the wake of upcoming Presidential and Provincial Council elections, slated for 5 April.

UNAMA has previously stated its recognition of the important role that media can play in helping ensure transparency in the upcoming polls, and by promoting public awareness of the electoral process. The UN Mission has also highlighted the importance of media outlets having a fair and balanced approach in their reporting on the elections.

Mr. Kubiš has said in the past that amongst other checks and balances, a vibrant media, with vigorous debate and balanced coverage can help ensure the transparency and accountability necessary for true democratic participation.