Senate, NAI seek action over profane article

KABUL (Pajhwok): Upper house members and a free media advocacy group, NAI, on Tuesday condemned the publication of a blasphemous article in a local English daily, urging print media to refrain from hurting religious sentiments.

NAI chief Siddiqullah Tawhidi told a press conference in Kabul that print media outlets should not publish content from individuals seeking asylum in the West.

He was referring to an article “IS and Taliban Express, in which the author used profane words against Islam and Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

“Content that disrespects Islam and violates the law provides an opportunity to the enemies (Taliban) to step up their campaign against democracy in the country,” he argued.

The Meshrano Jirga also lashed out at the paper for publishing the sacrilegious article, with lawmakers asking President Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai to take stern action against the individuals concerned.

Senators Maulvi Mahmood Danishjo, Maulvi Mohiuddin Munsif, Amanullah Azimi voiced their outrage at the publication of the piece. They demanded stern legal action against the perpetrators.

Deputy Chairman Mohammad Alam Ezedyar supported calls for the prosecution of the newspaper’s administration and the writer. “We can’t put up with such provocative things, even if they are unintentional…”

Legal proceedings should be initiated forthwith against the newspaper’s management, demanded Senate Chairman Fazal Hadi Muslimyar, who saw no justification for the outrage.  

sks/ma/mud

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