Amin Alemi
Press TV, Kabul
To work in Afghanistan as a journalist, one needs to be ready to face horrifying scenarios; from being taken hostage by terrorist groups or powerful local commanders, to becoming a victim of a blast.
It was 4 years ago on May 31 that a massive bomb explosion killed or wounded over 600 individuals, mostly civilians. Among the victims was Habibullah Hossain Zada, Press TV’s cameraman in Kabul.
Habib's death was not the first tragic incident for Press TV staff in Kabul.
Mirza Hossaini remembers how his colleagues were shocked when a rocket hit their office in Kabul's heavily-protected area.
Let’s not forget that media groups in Afghanistan are facing many challenges, from the shortage of financial resources to security threats that have forced over 300 journalists and media staff to either quit their jobs or leave the country.
Based on official figures, over 133 journalists and media workers in Afghanistan have been killed and many others injured over the past 15 months. According to the 2021 World Press Freedom index released by Reporters Without Borders, Afghanistan is still considered one of the most dangerous countries for journalists and reporters around the world.
Prior to losing Habib, Press TV bureau in Kabul had already lost Sayyed Farhad Taqaddosi, another cameraman who lost his life after a rocket hit Press TV's office during a complex Taliban attack in 2011.