World Press Freedom Day: Annual Conference of the Free Speech Centre in Canada Focuses on Media Situation in Afghanistan
- Tamim Attaiy
- May 7
- 2 min read
Updated: May 29
Toronto - Canada: On the occasion of World Press Freedom Day, the annual conference of the Free Speech Centre was held in Toronto, Canada, with the wide participation of journalists, university professors, and media activists from various countries, including Afghanistan.
The event, focusing on the challenges and opportunities of journalism in both democratic and repressive societies—especially the concerning state of freedom of expression in Afghanistan under Taliban rule—was structured around two discussion panels.
The first panel, titled "Truth in the Age of Repression," was led by Lotfullah Najafizada, the head of Amu Television. Jennifer Holt (The Walrus), Michelle Shephard (CJFE), Brent Jolly (CAJ), and Lucan (Professor of Political Science at the University of Toronto) participated in this session. The speakers discussed the differences between the media environment in democratic countries and repressive regimes, emphasizing the importance of supportive structures in free nations and the lack of such facilities in countries like Afghanistan.
The second panel of the conference, titled "From Headlines to Silence: The Struggle for Journalism in Afghanistan," focused on the difficult situation of Afghan journalists. This session was moderated by Samia Medwar from The Walrus and included Farida Nikzad (Carleton University), Shoaib Rahim (University Professor), and Zahra Nader (Founder of Zan Times). The speakers addressed the Taliban's repressive conditions, widespread restrictions on the media, and the resistance of female journalists against censorship and threats.
Bob Rae, Canada's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, stated in his speech: "Media in many countries are systematically targeted, and the international community must unite to defend freedom of expression."
Najib Asil, head of the Free Speech Centre, referred to 2024 as one of the deadliest years for journalists, saying: "At least 124 journalists lost their lives in 18 countries, which is unprecedented in the past five decades."
During the conference, Rachel Pulfer, President of Journalists for Human Rights (JHR), was honored for supporting and facilitating the transfer of more than 2,400 Afghan journalists and human rights activists to Canada since 2021.
Rababa Mohammadi, an Afghan artist, was also recognized for her resilience and artistic activism in defending women's rights in Afghanistan despite her physical disability.
Conference speakers, including Najib Asil, called for increased support from the Canadian government and international media organizations for Afghan journalists at risk, especially those in Pakistan, Iran, and Turkey. He stressed the need for cooperation in job placement, resettlement, and protection for Afghan journalists.
At the end of the conference, a number of journalists and officials from international organizations supporting freedom of expression shared their views through video messages on the global media situation, particularly the repressive conditions in Afghanistan.
