Freedom of expression in islam by mohammad hashim kamali. Afghanistans war on books reza mohammadi opinion the. Freedom of expression is important not only because it is a fundamental human right and a democratic ideal but also because it leads to newer ideas ideas that change and improve a society and. Kabul afghan journalists have issued a declaration on freedom of expression in afghanistan expressing their concerns and proposals for a free media in the country. Conflict between afghan government forces and us forces, and the taliban rebel. But it will mean little if the authorities dont promptly act to ensure that a bad law is no. The deteriorating situation of freedom of expression in afghanistan one journalists take on press freedom in the posttaliban era. Kabul declaration on freedom of expression in afghanistan. Rock central asia for freedom of expression in afghanistan. Freedom of speech in afghanistan is an area that remains shrouded in mystery. The deteriorating situation of freedom of expression in. To mark world press freedom day this friday, vaclav havel, president of the czech republic, speaks about his generations struggle for the freedom to write and speak. Yes, last year, the supreme court set an important standard for freedom of expression in india.
Threats to media freedom in afghanistan human rights watch. Afghan journalists, media and civil society organizations and other concerned stakeholders. This is part of an ongoing series looking at press freedom. Afghanistan free speech and free press around the world. Coronavirus books jenny davidson on the best books to read in quarantine. Islamic teachings and argument have been used to censor opinions and writings throughout history, up to and including the modern era, and thus there are many cases of censorship in islamic societies. This fascinating survey of afghanistan is an excellent book for those wanting to go beyond. The nobel prizewinning economist amartya sen even went as far as to say that countries with a free press do not suffer famines.
The importance of journalists safety freedom of expression is a fundamental element. Jenny davidson, professor of english and comparative literature at columbia university, suggests some of the best books to read if youre selfisolating or in quarantine. Human rights in afghanistan is a topic of some controversy and conflict. Reading these poems and essays, one realizes the reductive power of the burqa a frequent, and much loathed, topic of the womens writings to limit womens freedom of movement and expression. This is surely true ofthe concept of freedom of expression as expounded in the. Protecting freedom of expression in india human rights watch. Pdf freedom of expression under threat in afghanistan. Although media outlets have proliferated in the private sector in afghanistan, the afghan press is hobbled by insufficient security, lack. Government of afghanistan s commitment in support of freedom of expression. The book is written in the dari language, and is the first book to explore the systematic suppression of free speech in afghanistan that. As one of the significant gains of the islamic republic of afghanistan in the last eighteen years, freedom of expression is deemed as a red line and the government is committed to protect human rights values and freedom of expression. The country relegislated a mass media law in 2009, seeking to ensure freedom of expression through the media, protection of journalists, and. But the benefits of freedom of expression are not only in the sphere of politics. Afghan journalists safety committee ajsc, which, among other.
The country of afghanistan claims to protect, through its constitution, the rights of its citizens to have freedom of expression weather that be through speech, writing, illustrations, etc. Lets go on to book three on your list, defending my enemy 1979 by aryeh neier. Struggles for freedom of expression in american history. Censorship in afghanistan is a book by hazara poet and journalist kamran mir hazar. The best books on freedom of speech five books expert. One example is the fatwa religious judgment against the satanic verses a novel, ordering that the author be executed for blasphemy. Depictions of muhammad have inspired considerable controversy. Declaration on freedom of expression in afghanistan unama. A one day conference brought together journalists and editors, media and civil society organizations, representatives from the government and parliament, donors and policy makers, human rights activists and international organizations. In afghanistan, where the prospects for reform once looked bleak, a transformation has occurred which has resurrected freedom, established legitimate leadership, and invigorated the population. Restrictions on freedom of expression have been justified in the name of.