A dangerous year for journalism

No year passes without challenges for journalists and affronts to press freedoms and 2009 has shown that conflict zones and elections provide as much danger as ever.

Two appalling events this year have highlighted these risks and made 2009 one of the most dangerous years for journalists. On 23 November, the largest ever massacre of journalists on a single day took place in the Phillipines. A total of 12 journalists and 18 others were killed by the private militia of a governor in the southern Philippines in election related violence. The second shocking event of the year was the massive restrictions on press freedoms in Iran during rallies disputing election results and the subsequent mass arrests of journalists and bloggers.

Press freedoms organisation, Reporters sans Frontières, says that 76 journalists have been killed this year and a further 573 arrested. Their annual report also shows that 1456 journalists had been physically assaulted or threatened this year, a 56% rise on 2008.

Furthermore, RSF claim that 1 blogger has been killed and an additional 151 bloggers and cyber-dissidents arrested, a 155% increase from 2008 figures. The press freedom report also notes that 61 bloggers had been physically assaulted.

The massacre of journalists in the Philippines, a dark day for press freedom, was condemned by RSF as "an incomprehensible bloodbath". The organisation said that "Never in the history of journalism have the news media suffered such a heavy loss of life in one day,". Nonoy Espina, Vice-President of the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines said “The government must without question bring those responsible for this massacre to justice, not just the killers but also the masterminds, whoever they are.” The deaths in the Philippines along with 21 others made the country the most dangerous in the world for journalists. These deaths made up 75% of the 44 deaths in the Asia-Pacific region making it the most dangerous region, by numbers of deaths.

The most recent death of a journalist came only yesterday, when award-winning Canadian journalist, Michelle Lang, was killed in Afghanistan. The Calgary Herald reporter became the seventh female journalist to be killed this year and the first Canadian journalist to die in the war in Afghanistan. Lang was embedded with Canadian troops in the southern Afghan province of Kandahar and was killed by a roadside bomb whilst traveling in a Canadian military vehicle. Reporters sans Frontières said “Lang’s death just two days before the New Year is a cruel reminder of the dangers that journalists face in war zones,”.

Not only have journalists faced the threat of death or physically injury this year, 33 have been kidnapped over the past 12 months. Despite the endeavours to of journalists report from the most hostile of regions, 570 media have been censored this year, a 61% increase on last year.

Additionally, 157 journalists have gone into exile this year, most notably from Iran where 50 journalists fled and 27 who left Sri Lanka. Somalia also saw around 50 journalists leave along with dozens of others who sought refugee abroad from Eritrea, Mexico, Pakistan, Ethiopia, Afghanistan, Colombia and Guinea. RSF described the number of exiled journalists as "a dangerous tendency and it must be very strongly condemned,".

Reporters sans Frontières rounded up this tragic year by saying "Three years have passed since the UN Security Council adopted Resolution 1738 on the protection of journalists in conflict zones but governments still seem incapable of protecting reporters,".

'Arbeit macht Frei' Auschwitz sign stolen

The sign over the entrance to the Nazi death camp, Auschwitz, has been stolen.

The sign which reads 'Arbeis macht Frei', made in 1940 by Polish prisoners at the camp, was stolen in the earlier hours of Friday morning. Israel's Holocaust Museum branded the theft an 'act of war' and the Muzeum Auschwitz Memorial called it a 'desecration'.

The 5 metre long, 40kg sign reads 'Work will set you free' in English and police say it was removed between 3:30 and 5:00am on Friday morning.

It is not yet known why the sign was stolen, but police say that selling such a well known item would be very difficult. Avner Shalev, director of Israel's Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial has speculated that the crime had been committed by Neo-Nazis.

A replica of the sign has been erected while the search continues and a 5,000-zloty ($1,700; £1,050) reward has been offered for information which leads to the arrest of the thieves.

The phrase was also used outside other Nazi concentration camps including Dachau and Sachsenhausen, although the sign at Auschwitz is the most well known. Hundreds of thousands of prisoners passed under the sign on entering the camp, most of whom were killed or worked to death. Over a million inmates were murdered at the camp, 90% of whom were Jewish.

"A Disgrace to Humanity" - The paper's reaction

Anti-facist protestors outside BBC TV Centre

UN rights chief speaks out on Iranian juvenile exections

The UN High Commisioner on Human Rights, Navi Pillay, criticised Iran, yesterday, for their execution of juveniles.

Her comments come after Behnoud Shojaie, a 17 year old Iranian, was executed on Sunday after being found guilty of murder. Expressing her dismay, Pillay said that Iran must "end execution of juvenile offenders once and for all."

Both the High Commissioner and UN Special Rapportuers had raised Behnoud Shojaie's case with Iranian authorities, reminding them of their international obligations not to execute minors. Iran is signed up to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and to the Convention on the Rights of the Child, both of which prohibit the death penalty for convicted youth offenders.

Pillay stressed that "Under international law, the death penalty can only be applied when very strict conditions are met, for example only in respect of the most serious crimes and only after scrupulously fair trials," She added that the UN human rights body believes the imposition of a death penalty where the crime did not result in loss of life goes against the ICCPR.

The High Commisioner also said she had "major concerns about the way the recent trials of opposition activists were conducted, and I hope these judgments will be reviewed carefully by the higher courts,"

Joe Stork of New York-bases rights Watchdog, Human Rights Watch, said that "The Iranian Judiciary's enthusiasm to execute juvenile offenders despite its international obligations and objections in Iran itself to such brutal acts is shocking...This is a callous affront to basic human dignity."

According to 2008 figures from Amnesty International, Iran has executed at least 37 juvenile offenders since 1990. Amnesty says that Iran was the only country to execute a juvenile in 2008 and carried out at least six executions.

Abbas 'dissapointed' with Obama administration

A leaked memo from Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas accuses the Obama administration of buckling under Israeli pressure and said that any hope had "evaporated".

The document, which reflects a wider frustration with the White House's lack of action on Middle East peace, says that "All hopes placed in the new US administration and President Obama have evaporated,".

The memo continued to say that Obama "couldn't withstand the pressure of the Zionist lobby, which led to a retreat from his previous positions on halting settlement construction and defining an agenda for the negotiations and peace".

Palestinians have remained resolute that talks cannot begin until the construction of Israeli settlements ceases. They are also pushing for the pre-1967 war borders to be respected by Israel before they are willing to negotiate.

Yasser Abed Rabbo, a senior aide to Abbas said "The Israelis need to acknowledge that the 1967 borders are the borders between the two states, and this is the foundation of any negotiations,".

Despite a meeting between Obama, Abbas and Netanyahu and the US president's Nobel Peace Prize there have been difficulties in starting negotiations. Notably, the White House has changed the language used on the Israeli settlements, no longer calling for an immediate cessation but for a toned down "restraint".

Tensions remain heightened between Israel and Palestine after the Gaza War early in the year and the subsequent calls for international prosecutions of both sides for war crimes.

Iranian blogger challenges Obama

An Iranian blogger has asked US President Barack Obama how he would have reacted to electoral fraud in the US election.

The blogger, 'harfehesaaby'(meaning logical words), asked the president how he would have felt if, despite the movement for change in America and against the will of the people, McCain had been declared winner of last year's ballot. Harfehesaaby asks if people in America had been "killed, jailed, and raped...how would you have expected the world to react?"

“President Obama,

First allow me to congratulate you on winning the Nobel Peace prize. I hope that your future record will also make you and the Norwegian decision-makers proud.

Let me say a few words about the vote that brought you to power. I'm sure you remember the enthusiasm with which Americans voted for you and the excitement that your slogan of "change" created among voters who were upset with the policies of former President Bush. You know very well that the majority of the people in the world shared the feelings of the American people and pushed for your election even though they couldn't vote for you.

If you were to multiply all the excitement and enthusiasm that your election generated, you'd have a picture of what happened during the Iranian presidential vote. And if you multiplied Americans' dissatisfaction with Bush, you'd understand the degree of Iranians' dissatisfaction with Mahmud Ahmadinejad and his allies. The repressed people of Iran were determined to put an end to superstition, warmongering, and fecklessness by casting their ballots and trying to change it through a democratic vote. The 85 percent turnout is good evidence of the degree to which Iranians thirst for change.

But President Obama, a coup took place in Iran, the votes of the people were stolen, and a fake president was introduced to the world. The lie was so big that Iran's streets became the scene of demonstrations by millions of Iranians who wanted their stolen vote back.

But the coup leaders shot at the people following orders by Iran's supreme leader. Many were arrested, some were forced into making false confessions, a number of detainees were raped and tortured. Still, people stood firm to get back their votes and to call for justice.

Now I have one question for you, Mr. President: If the fraud and the above-mentioned events had happened in your country -- if they had announced John Mc Cain as the winner of the presidential vote, if they had have killed, jailed, and raped people -- how would you have expected the world to react?

With regards and respect,

An Iranian blogger

”

The bloggger's comments come four months after violence erupted following Iran's presidential election, which saw inucumbent Mahmoud Ahmadinejad reelected. In the days and weeks following the vote large numbers of supporters of reform candidate, Mir Hossian Mousavi, turned out on the streets to protest against alleged voting rigging and to contest the official results.


Harfehesaaby's blog including the message to Obama in Persian/Farsi can be found at harfehesaaby.blogspot.com

Rio wins 2016 olympic bid

After two rounds of voting IOC President declared Rio De Janerio winners of the 2016 olympic bid.

Rio won the vote fending off competition from Chicago and Tokya before going head to head with Madrid's 2016 bid in the final. Before today's vote Chicago and Rio were seen as the favourites, however, in a shock first round result Chicago was eliminated.

Despite a visit and speech to the IOC in Copenhagen by Barack and Michelle Obama, Chicago did not manage to secure enough support in the first round. Speculation has been made on the affect this could have on his domestic approval ratings. Crowds who had gathered in central Chicago were left open mouthed after Jacques Rogge announced the result.

Following the result Rio De Janerio's mayor, Sergio Cabral, said the decision was "unbelievable, overwhelming and spectacular," On Copacabana Beach celebrations are already well underway and the party is expected to continue long into the night.

In Madrid, crowds streamed from the square where many had gathered to here the result after Rio's win was announced. Speaking on Spanish television Queen Sofia said "We must congratulate Rio, and also the work that we Spaniards have done, it was excellent. It's a disappointment for us,".

Senator Ted Kennedy - 1932-2009

Senator Ted Kennedy has died aged 77, losing his battle with brain cancer.

The senator had served in the US senate for almost 47 years and won his 8th term in 2006. He became the Democratic senator for Massachusetts in 1946, replacing his brother, John Kennedy, when he resigned to become president.

In 2006, Teddy, as he was affectionatley known, was named by Time magazine as one of America's ten best Senators, as he had "amassed a titanic record of legislation affecting the lives of virtually every man, woman and child in the country".

Across his near half century in the senate, Ted Kennedy pushed reform in education and healthcare becoming a champion for the working class. He was known for forging cross party alliances, helping George W. Bush with education reforms and working with Senator John McCain on immigration legislation.

Despite this he was well-known as a liberal member of the Democratic party and heavily criticised the Bush administration on Iraq and the abuse of prisoners. He was also involved in the Good Friday Agreement in Northern Ireland, after earlier calling for British troops to leave the country.

Kennedy ran against incumbent president Jimmy Carter for the democratic nomination in the 1980 presidential race. However, the death of a young women in his car after he crashed into waters on Chappaquiddick Island, Massachusetts, halted his chances.

President Obama, who Kennedy had declared his support for during the 2008 presidential race, said he was "heartbroken" by the Senator's death. He said the death "An important chapter in our history has come to an end," and "Our country has lost a great leader, who picked up the torch of his fallen brothers and became the greatest United States senator of our time."

Harry Reid, Senate majority leader said "The liberal lion's mighty roar may now fall silent, but his dream shall never die".

British Prime Minister said "Even facing illness and death, he never stopped fighting for the causes which were his life's work. I am proud to have counted him as a friend." He added that Senator Kennedy's passing would be "mourned not just in America but in every continent".

A Kennedy family statement said "We've lost the irreplaceable centre of our family and joyous light in our lives, but the inspiration of his faith, optimism, and perseverance will live on in our hearts forever."

Ted Kennedy was the only surviving brother of the Kennedy family, being the only one to live past middle age. His eldest brother Joseph died during a plane crash in WWII and his other brothers, President John F. Kennedy and Senator Robert F. Kennedy were assassinated in 1963 and 1968.

Senator Kennedy remained a member of the Senate until his death and recently suggested a change in the law to allow a quick succession when his seat became vacant. It is thought he worried that a lengthy election would hamper President Obama's healthcare reform by denying a crucial vote.

Brown “repulsed” by reception of Lockerbie bomber

British Prime Minister Gordon Brown says he was “repulsed” by the hero’s welcome given to the Lockerbie bomber, Abdelbaset al-Megrahi.

Brown has broken his silence to comment on the release of al-Megrahi and said his thoughts were with the families of the Lockerbie victims.

He also stressed that British government has played “no role” in deciding to release the convicted bomber.

He added that he “could not interfere and had no control over the final outcome.”

He concluded the Downing Street press conference by reaffirming his commitment to fighting international terrorism with the co-operation of nations such as Libya.

He said his “resolve to fight terrorism is absolute” and he was determined “to work with other countries to fight and root out terrorism”.

The Prime Minister had been subject to growing criticism, especially from opposition politicians, over his silence on the compassionate release of Megrahi.

Leader of the Liberal Democrats, Nick Clegg said “It is absurd and damaging that the British prime minister simply remains silent in the hope that someone else will take the flak .”

Kenny MacAskill defended his decision in the Scottish parliament yesterday. MPs were called in for an emergency meeting during their summer recess to discuss the release.

Mr MacAskill said “It was my decision and my decision alone. I stand by it and I'll live by the consequences.” Opposition politicians were very critical of Megrahi’s release.

Top Iranian opposition figures on trial

Senior figures in Iran’s opposition movement have been put on trial in Tehran.

The defendants include many ministers from President Khatami’s government of 1997-2005.

Those on trial face charges of conspiring with foreign powers to incite unrest. The trials follow mass demonstrations after the disputed re-election of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in June.

Several thousand people were arrested during the protest, most of whom were released soon afterwards, however, 100 face charges.

Opposition leaders have condemned the court proceedings as “show trials” and described them as “laughable”.

The 20 people in court included former Deputy Interior minister Mostafa Tajzadesh, former Deputy Foreign Minister Mohsen Aminzadeh and economist Saeed Leylaz

Only Iranian state media have access to the courtrooms.

Karzai ahead in Afghan poll

An initial count of the Afghan presidential votes shows incumbent president Hamid Karzai has a slight lead.

With 10% of the votes counted Karzai has marginally more votes than rival Dr Abdulllah Abdullah. The final result will not be known until mid-September, when all votes have been counted.

Currently Mr Karzai has 212,927 votes and Dr Abdullah 202, 889 but a candidate needs more than 50% of the vote to avoid a second round run-off.

Afghanistan’s electoral commission says 544,444 valid votes have been counted with Karzai taking 40.6% and Abdullah on 38.7%.

Moments after the prelimary result was announced an explosion hit the Southern city of Kandahar killing 30 people and injuring many more. Reports say that several buildings collapsed in the blast in the city centre.

Earlier in the day, a bomb killed four US soldiers, making 2009 the deadliest year for foreign troops since the Taliban were overthrown.

“ Once again they've killed children, women, innocent Afghans. They are not human. They are animals.
”

The electoral commission said Ramazan Bashardost is currently third with 53,470 and Ashaf Ghani Ahmadzai fourth with 15,143.

Based on the figures released a second round run-off would most likely be between Karzai and Abdullah. However, only 2% of votes in Kandahar have been counted and none in Helmand, provinces where Karzai is expected to do well, so a run-off may not be needed.

Further counting will take place and the electoral commission says they will release more results in coming weeks.

The final result will not be released until the Electoral Complaints Commission has investigated the 800 complaints of electoral irregularities and fraud. 54 of these 800 are considered to be serious allegations and among the complainants is Dr Abdullah, who claims rigging in favour of Karzai.

Mirwais Yasini, another prominent presidential candidate, has also made claims 800 votes for him were discarded.

Iranian minister "wanted" by Interpol

Iranian Defence Minister-Designate, Ahmad Vahidi, is on Interpol's "wanted" list for the bombing of a Jewish centre in Argentina.

Interpol has issued a "red notice" for Mr Vahidi over the bombing Buenos Aires, which killed 85 people. A "red notice" is issued by Interpol to inform it's 187 member nations that an arrest warrant has been issued by a member's judiciary authority. Interpol was keen to stress that the notice was not an international arrest warrant.

Mr Vahidi has been on Interpol's wanted list since November 2007 along with five others who Argentine authorities believe were behind the bombing. The attack was the worst against Jews since World War II and is Argentina's worst terrorist atrocity.

Ahmad Vahidi has been nominated for defence minister in President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's new cabinet after serving as deputy defence minister during Ahmadinejad's first term. Tehran has been quick to dismiss the criticisms and claimed it was part of a "zionist plot".

A spokesperson for the Israeli Foreign ministry said "This is yet another of Ahmadinejad's actions that prove he is a person you cannot deal with,"

Argentine prosecutor Alberto Nisman commented that "Iran has always protected terrorists, giving them government posts, but I think never one as high as this one,"

Speaking about the case, Prosecutor Nisman said "It has been demonstrated that Vahidi participated in and approved of the decision to attack AMIA during the meeting in Iraq on 14 August 1993"

Anger over "hero's welcome"

The welcome given to freed Lockerbie bomber Abdelbaset Ali al-Megrahi has sparked anger from both sides of the Atlantic.

The 57 year old was met with scenes of celebration and jubilation on arrival in Libya's capital, Tripoli. Crowds had gathered to meet Mr Meghrai as he left the plane and waved both Libyan and Scottish flag from the airport's tarmac.

Britan's Foreign secretary, David Milliband, commented that "Obviously the sight of a mass murderer getting a hero's welcome in Tripoli is deeply upsetting, deeply distressing." He added "that how the Libyan government handles itself in the next few days will be very significant in the way the world views Libya's re-entry into the civilised community of nations,"

White House spokesperson, Bill Burton, said "It is disturbing to see images suggesting that Megrahi was accorded a hero's welcome instead of being treated as a convicted murderer," He also said that the US government had made it clear to Libyan authorities that "such a welcome sends the wrong message and is deeply offensive to the families of the hundreds of people who lost their lives in the Lockerbie bombing".

Downing Street also said that the British Prime Minister had contacted the Libyan government about al-Megrahi's reception and had asked them to "act with sensitivity".

Families of the victims of the bombing of Pan Am flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland have begun to discuss ways to protest at Megrahi's release. 270 people were killed when the plane was bombed in December 1988 including 11 who were killed when debris rained upon the Scottish town.

Afghans defy "bombs and intimidations" to vote

President Hamid Karzai has praised the Afghan people for braving Taliban "rockets, bombs and intimidations," and described the election as a success.

Speaking to reporters after the polls closed, following a one hour extension, Mr Karzai said "We'll see what the turnout was. But they came out to vote. That's great."

His praise has been echoed by Nato and the US, White House spokesperson Robert Gibbs said "Lots of people have defied threats of violence and terror to express their thoughts about the next government for the people of Afghanistan."

Afghanistan's interior ministry has reported that 73 attacks have taken place today across 15 provinces.

In Baghlan, Northern Afghanistan, eight died when police clashed with Taliban militia who were storming the town to prevent polling stations from opening. Also in Baghlan province a police chief was shot dead when a police post was attacked.

In Ghazni province, Taliban militants set-alight a bus on the Kabul-Kandahar highway, allegedly as punishment for breaking a Taliban imposed ban on using the road.

In Khost and Kandahar provinces two women and several children were killed when rockets hit their homes. More than 20 rockets hit Lashkar Gar, Helmand province's capital, an area known as a Taliban stronghold.

Overall it is thought around 26 people were killed in election day violence despite the presence of 300,000 Afghan and Nato troops, who were on patrol across Afghanistan to prevent attacks on polling stations.

Kai Eide, the head of the UN mission in Kabul said that overall the levels of violence had been "better than we feared" and that the security situation had been such that it "allowed people to take part in the elections".

Nato Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen praised the success of today's poll as "a testimony to the determination of the Afghan people to build democracy".

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon issued a statement congratulating the people of Afghanistan on the presidential and provincial ballots.

The poll was the second presidential election in the country's history and was the first to be organised primarily by Afghans. he director of Afghanistan's Independent Election Commission, Azizullah Loudin said that voter turnout had been "high" when speaking on state-tv.

Voter numbers were believed to be very low in Southern and Eastern areas of Afghanistan, where the Taliban are dominant. Where as in Northern areas, such as Herat, experienced a higher turnout. In Kabul, some polling stations saw Afghans queue outside for the polls to open where as in others few votes were cast.

Some rural areas have reported that no votes were cast in some areas but officials hope that overall turnout will be around 50%.

Senior Fellow at the Center for American Progress, Brian Katulis, said that in a women's voting centre he visited in Kabul "there were long lines,[the] mood was festive". However, he said "Checkpoints and restrictions on traffic made Kabul like a ghost town."

“This might sound crude or blunt, but I want him returned from Scotland the same way my wife Lorraine was and that would be in a box.

Paul Halsch, whose 31-year-old wife was killed in the 1988 Lockerbie bombing
”

Lockerbie bomber released

Lockerbie bomber Abdelbaset Ali al-Megrahi has been released on compassionate grounds by Scottish authorities.

Al-Megrahi is the only person to be convicted in relation to the 1988 bombing of Pan Am flight 103 which killed 270 people. Mr Megrahi is suffering from terminal prostate cancer and experts say that he would be dead within a few months.

Scottish Justice Secretary, Kenny MacAskill, announced his decision at a press conference in which he said Scottish people "pride ourselves on our humanity" and that "the perpertration of an atrocity, an outrage, can not and should not be a bassis for losing sight of who we are, the values we seek to uphold and the faith and beliefs by which we seek to live."

He continued to say "Our justice system demands that judgement be imposed, but compassion be available."

The decision has sparked condemnation in the US, a White House statement said it "deeply regretted" the decision to release Megrahi and several victims' families have expressed their anger and outrage. However, in the UK, opinion is divided on whether al-Megrahi should have been freed.

Kara Weitz of New Jersey, whose 20 year old brother was killed in the bombing, described the release as "utterly disgusting". Paul Halsch of New York, whose 31-year-old wife was killed, said "This might sound crude or blunt, but I want him returned from Scotland the same way my wife Lorraine was and that would be in a box."

“We want the next president to stop the killing of innocent people and to find jobs for the people, and bring peace.

A female Afghan voter
”

Afghans vote amid sporadic violence

Millions of Afghans have voted in the country's second presidential election amid Taliban threats and sporadic violence.

The Taliban and other militia have threaten to disrupt the polls and have wages a campaign of violence.

In the less stable South voter numbers have been low and nationwide turnout appears to be patchy. In the Herat and some other more secure areas in the North have had higher turnout.

There have been a number of violence incidents across the country including the deaths of a women and three children when a house in the Southern province of Khost was hit by rockets. Also in Khost province a roadside bomb hit a civillian car killing one person and injuring three others.

Police in Gardez, Paktia province have said two suicide bombers on motorbikes were killed before reaching their target. In the Northern Baghlan province a police chief was killed when Taliban attacked a police post.

In Kabul, two suicide bombers were killed in a gun battle with police in a residential district of the city, however, it is unclear whether the militia were shot by police or killed by their own explosives. Despite this incident at some polling stations in the capital have been busy with voters queuing since the early morning, whilst, others have remained quite.

There have been no other reported incidents of violence in Kabul, however, reports indicate there have been a number of rocket attacks across the country.

The UN has said the majority of polling stations were able to open despite security conerns.

One female voter set out her hopes for the future of the country and what she expects from the next Afhgan president. "We want the next president to stop the killing of innocent people and to find jobs for the people, and bring peace."

However, other voters were less positive about the poll. "Its not an election but a comedy. In my neighborhood I saw a few guys who easily washed their fingers and went for second time to vote, if all these things are happening in capital what do you think how is the condition in remote areas?" said one man in Kabul.

Fresh pre-poll violence in Afghanistan

Fresh violence has erupted in Afghanistan on the day before the country's presidential and provincial elections.

Security forces clashed with gunmen in a bank close to the presidential compound in Kabul. Three of the raiders were killed in the bank and explosions and gunfire were heard as the troops battled against the attackers.

The Afghan interior ministry said the attack had been carried out by "terrorists" after earlier describing the men as "thieves".

The Taliban had promised to disrupt tomorrow's poll and has waged a campaign of violence and terror to deter voters. There have been several attacks across the country over the past weeks and many have been killed and injured. Reports say the Taliban have threaten to cut off voter's fingers if they are marked with the electoral commission's indelible ink.

Meanwhile in Ghazni province, central Afghanistan, foreign troops mistakenly killed four Afghan police men, local officials say. The troops had been targeting a group of insurgents, who had been launching rockets at the town of Ghazni, when the men were killed and some of their colleagues injured.

Additionaly, in the northern Kunduz province, two police men were killed by the Taliban and another eight were taken. However, local officials have said that some of the eight may already have been working with the Taliban.

The Afghan government has asked both the foreign and national media to refrain from reporting election day violence as they fear it will keep voters away from the polls. The move has been criticised by many who see it as a restriction on the freedom of the press and it it is thought most journalist will ignore it.












Rahimullah Samander, president of the Afghanistan Independent Journalists' Association, said "this type of ban does not sit well with democratic principles".

A statement from the Afghanistan's foreign ministry said "All domestic and international media agencies are requested to refrain from broadcasting any incident of violence during the election process from 6am to 8pm on 20 August,".

Siamak Herawi, a spokesman for President Hamad Karzai, said that the media blackout would "prevent them from exaggerating it, so that people will not be frightened to come out and vote." However, Human Rights Watch has condemned the move as an "unreasonable violation of press freedoms" and Reporters Without Borders said the blackout "runs counter to the principal of electoral transparency."