CPJ calls for release of abducted scribe

New York, Mar 21 (UNI) Expressing concern about the Afghan freelance-journalist Ajmal Naskhbandi, who was abducted by Taliban in Afghanistan over two weeks ago, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has appealed to the Afghan government to make all efforts to secure the scribes's release.

''We call on the Afghan government to do everything in its power to secure the release of our colleague Ajmal Naskhbandi," CPJ Executive Director Joel Simon said in a statement yesterday, adding, ''All parties involved must ensure Ajmal's immediate safe return.'' Ajmal Naskhbandi was kidnapped while acting as 'La Repubblica' reporter Daniele Mastrogiacomoa's translator.

Mr Mastrogiacomo, who was freed on Monday, said Ajmal, and their Afghan-driver Sayed Agha were held together after Taliban forces abducted them from Helmand province on March 5, according to news reports.

While Sayed was brutally killed, Mr Mastrogiacomo said he last saw Ajmal, who worked as a reporter mainly for Japanese papers and translated frequently for journalists and aid groups, as the two were unchained in preparation for release.

''The Taliban want to make a separate arrangement with the Afghan government for Ajmal's release,'' Pajhwok Afghjhan News reporter Danish Karokhel told the CPJ.

''I am worried. The rest of the world is happy, but we cannot forget about Afghan journalists.'' La Repubblica confirmed that Mr Mastrogiacomo had been released in exchange for five Taliban prisoners held by the Afghan government, according to the CPJ.

CPJ is a New York-based, independent, non-profit organisation that works to safeguard press freedom worldwide.

UNI