The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan is greatly concerned by last night’s police actions against Tolo TV and the accompanying manhandling and detaining of Tolo TV staff and other reporters covering the events. Freedom of expression and of the press is guaranteed under the Afghan Constitution and is in line with Afghanistan’s obligations under international human rights law. Complaints against the media must be dealt with in accordance with established legal norms, not by unlawful physical intervention. UNAMA calls upon the Government authorities to ensure this incident is properly investigated and unlawful action against media outlets is prevented in future.

Kabul, April 18 2007