IFJ Mourns Death of Cameraman After Kabul Attack

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and its affiliates and partners in the South Asia Media Solidarity Network (SAMSN) deeply mourn the death of Farhad Taqaddosi, cameraman for the Iranian news channel Press TV after serious injuries suffered in the insurgent attack in Kabul on September 13.

Taqaddosi, 23, was an Iranian national who had been working in Kabul for Press TV for two years. According to reports received from IFJ affiliate the Afghan Independent Journalists’ Association (AIJA), Taqadossi suffered serious shock when a rocket propelled grenade fired by insurgents exploded near him.

He was hospitalised immediately after the incident but his condition progressively deteriorated and he died on September 20.

The September 13 attack involved a number of gunmen storming a highly fortified part of Kabul city where the US embassy, NATO headquarters and the offices of Press TV are located. All three are believed to have been targets of the attack.

Parvez Safai and Abdur Rahim, cameramen with Press TV and the state-controlled Radio Television Afghanistan (RTA) were also injured in the attack, though they have since recovered and will soon resume work.

“The IFJ calls upon media organisations to develop protocols for the coverage of insurgency-related violence that ensure the safety of news gatherers while safeguarding the public’s right to information,” IFJ Asia -Pacific Director Jacqueline Park said.

“Taqadossi’s death speaks of the continuing hazards that journalists face in Afghanistan .”

“The IFJ extends condolences to Taqadossi’s family and colleagues and urges Press TV management to provide sufficiently for his family in this hour of loss.”