Afghanistan: CFWIJ is alarmed by the extremist threats to Fatima Roshanian

March 22, 2021— Fatima Roshanian, an editor for the feminist magazine Nimorkh Weekly, is working from home after being identified by extremists. In a list issued by a terrorist organization, Fatima is the eleventh person named. After the list was shared, Fatima confined herself in her home and limited her movement. Fatima has angered the conservative society of Afghanistan with her coverage of bold topics like women and sex. She believes that such lists are purposely shared by sympathizers of extremist organizations to have people killed. The journalist takes the threats very seriously after the recent wave of killings against activists and journalists in Afghanistan. CFWIJ is alarmed by the grave threats targeting Fatima. We urge the Afghan government to take immediate action to ensure journalists’ safety and freedom of the press. 

Fatima Roshanian says the people behind these threats are well-known and against the dissident voices in the country. Her weekly magazine Nimorkh covers topics like sex, affairs, and periods, mainly women-related content. Discussing such topics is considered taboo in a conservative society like Afghanistan, placing Fatima in a precarious position. The journalist understands the magnitude of these threats given the recent killings of journalists and activists. Fatima also believes the lists are not often shared by extremist organizations directly but by their sympathizers. 

People who hold grudges against others often confront them online through such lists, inviting the extremist for their killing. These lists gain the attention of the militant organizations, and they target people, mainly women. Fatima’s friends worry for her, asking her to leave the country and quit her work. Despite the dangers, she is determined and does not want to concede to the threats. 

The Coalition For Women In Journalism has documented the killings and threats against women journalists in detail. The recent horrific killing of three young female journalists was condemned globally, and human rights organizations are urging the Afghan government to ensure the safety of women journalists and address their grievances. We demand Afghan authorities to provide the necessary security to Fatima Roshanian and other women journalists working in vulnerable conditions.