Location: Afghanistan, Mazar-e-Sharif  
Date: May 25, 2022

Radio journalist Maryam Madadi was among nine killed in a series of explosions that hit the northern city of Mazar-e-Sharif last week. Three passenger buses carrying members of the Hazara and Shia communities were targeted with explosives placed inside the vehicles. The ISIL (ISIS) later claimed responsibility for the attacks. At least 15 people were also wounded in the bombings. The Coalition For Women In Journalism strongly condemns the attacks. We mourn the loss of Maryam and innocent lives and extend condolences to the bereft families. 

On May 25, three minibuses in different districts of Mazar-e-Sharif city were targeted with explosive devices placed inside the vehicles. At least nine people, including Maryam, were killed and 15 others were injured. Local news outlet Rukshana Media reported that all victims were members of the ethnic Hazara and religious Shia communities. 

The Islamic State of Iraq and Levant (ISIL), also known as ISIS, later claimed responsibility for the attacks in Mazar-e-Sharif, which came shortly after explosions hit a mosque in the capital Kabul, reported Tolo News. The first attack left at least two worshippers dead and 10 others wounded. 

Maryam was a graduate of the journalism program at Balkh University and was a radio host at the Rabia Balkhi Radio station before it shut down after its building caught fire, according to Rukshana Media and its founder Zahra Joya.

Women journalists continue to face threats to their safety in Afghanistan for both their gender and their work. Whether it is terrorist attacks, threats from militant groups, sectarian attacks or Taliban’s continued rollbacks against women’s rights and press freedom, they navigate a dangerous terrain each day simply to do their jobs. Since the fall of Kabul in 2021, violations against them have only increased. Hundreds have been forced to leave the profession. 

In another recent case of violation against women journalists, Basira Mutasim was arbitrarily detained by the Taliban authorities in the northern province of Faryab on May 27. She was among three journalists detained for several hours before being released on bail. This incident was among six violations against journalists in Afghanistan in the span of five days.

The Coalition For Women In Journalism is appalled at the lack of protection measures yet for women journalists in Afghanistan. We strongly condemn the terrorist attacks which claimed the lives of Maryam Madadi and eight others. We deeply mourn Maryam’s loss and extend condolences to her family, friends and colleagues. As the country reels back from over two decades of war and the Taliban’s return, it is more essential than ever that journalists are allowed to do their jobs. The CFWIJ stands in solidarity with Basira Mutasim and other Afghan women journalists striving to report the truth and hold power to account. 

The Coalition For Women In Journalism is a global organization of support for women journalists. The CFWIJ pioneered mentorship for mid-career women journalists across several countries around the world and is the first organization to focus on the status of free press for women journalists. We thoroughly document cases of any form of abuse against women in any part of the globe. Our system of individuals and organizations brings together the experience and mentorship necessary to help female career journalists navigate the industry. Our goal is to help develop a strong mechanism where women journalists can work safely and thrive.

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