French Journalists Urge Paris to Speed Up Evacuation of Afghan Journalists

The National Union of Journalists in France (SNJ) urged Paris to speed up its efforts to "evacuate Afghan journalists". SNJ added that in comparison to other European countries, the French government’s support for Afghan journalists has not been enough.

The National Union of Journalists in France held a meeting on October 12-14 in Paris. SNJ has sent a proposal to the French government and urged authorities to remain faithful to their commitments regarding the evacuation of Afghan journalists.

They have emphasised that France should take immediate action to deal with the current situation of Afghan journalists.

SNJ stressed that Afghan journalists are in a dire situation and while in hiding, they constantly change their safe houses.

According to SNJ, so far, 64 Afghan journalists have entered France, and 30 others have been relocated to Germany and Canada.

The National Union of Journalists in France added that over 174 Afghan journalists are waiting for their relocation from Pakistan and 81 others are in Iran.

SNJ reported that the visa appointments of journalists with the French embassy in Tehran have been cancelled in recent days.

SNJ has criticised the process of evacuation of Afghan journalists by France and stressed that the process of obtaining visa from a third country makes it in contradiction with the commitment of French President, Emmanuel Macron, to support Afghan journalists.