UNESCO chief condemns Khpalwak’s death

KABUL): The UNESCO director-general on Thursday vehemently condemned the killing of Ahmad Omaid Khpalwak, Pajhwok Afghan News reporter in Tirinkot, the capital of southern Uruzgan province.

Khpalwak was among 21 people killed in fighting that erupted after multiple suicide attackers stormed several government buildings in Tirinkot on July 24. Moments later, he sent his brother an SMS, seeking prayers for his safety.

Irina Bokova, the UNESCO chief, called for those responsible to be brought to justice, saying: “I condemn the killing of Khpalwak. The death of a journalist in the line of duty is a loss for a country striving for democracy and rule of law.”

The former Bulgarian diplomat added: “I am deeply concerned about continuing violence and loss of innocent lives in Afghanistan and trust that the perpetrators of this heinous crime will be identified and brought to justice.”

Khpalwak, 25, also worked for the BBC. He is the first Afghan journalist killed this year, according to the Institute for the Protection of Journalists.

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