Aatash.org, May 14, 2008

Female Journalist beaten up in western Herat

Nilufar Habibi, the only female journalist in Herat TV Station, is threatened by unknown people today morning.

Meetra Rahimyan

Nilufar Habibi has been beaten up and injured.

Five unknown persons including a woman had entered her vehicle, beaten her up and warned her to death if she continues to appear on TV. She was attacked in Darb-e Malik locality of Herat city while she was on her way to office. The attackers were in black clothes.

Confirming the report Hesamoddin Shams, the head of Herat TV and Radio Station, has asked security officials to take care of this case.

According to Mr Shams, Nilufar had informed National Security Directorate and other security organizations on threatening phone calls during the night for a month.

But Nilufar says she is committed to her duty and that she will continue her job as a journalist and a TV anchor.

Nilufar Habibi has started her work six months ago in Herat TV and Radio Station as a journalist and announcer.

Today she was on her duty. No one knows whether she will be able to be there or not.

Security services have not been able to detain anyone in connection with the case.

Mohammad Juma Adil, the security commander of Herat, says they will ensure security of all journalists especially women.

An investigation is under way, said the security commander.

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