Thousands of Afghans managed to get out of their country by faking their professions as journalists and activists, claimed the Afghanistan Civil Society And Journalist Group, which lashed out at western countries for not vetting applications properly. Civil society members in a press conference on Monday claimed that most journalists have chosen to stay back in Afghanistan but the action by civilians pretending to be journalists and activists was an insult to the media and to media workers.

In the rush to get out of the country, thousands of people reportedly produced fake documents that got themselves safe passage to foreign countries. 

“Interestingly, out of thirty-four million people, nine million have introduced themselves as journalists, which is an obvious insult to journalists, and journalists are the voice of the people, and journalists value everyone, and the identities were not checked during the evacuation,” Nasir Ahmad Akhtarzai, the head of the Afghan Civil Society and Journalist group, was quoted as saying by Ariana News. 

“It was a tragedy and the responsibility lies with the world,” he added. 

Media space shrank significantly in Afghanistan ever since the Taliban took control of the government. Most female journalists either resigned or left the country--many even before the Taliban takeover. Others who were covering popular protests against the Taliban in cities were beaten, tortured or detained.   

“The media coverage space should not be limited,” Farkhunda Mohibi, a journalist who is part of the group, said. 

Other reports also suggested the quality of local reporting has diminished significantly due to lack of access/ sources of information. 

(SAM)