The French media are celebrating the release of Franco-Afghan journalist Mortaza Behboudi, detained in Afghanistan since January 7, 2023. This news was announced by the NGO Reporters Without Borders (RSF) which mobilized for his release.
Mortaza Behboudi, aged 29, went to Afghanistan for a report and was arrested two days later. Accused of espionage and illegal support for foreigners, he was ultimately acquitted of all the offenses against him.
His release was greeted with relief by RSF and his family. His wife, Aleksandra Mostovaja, expressed her joy, saying that “the light has returned to [their] world and life can now begin again.”
The French media strongly mobilized for the release of Mortaza Behboudi. A giant counter displaying the number of days he spent in detention was installed on the facade of Paris Center town hall by RSF and its support committee. Many media outlets, such as France Télévisions, TV5 Monde, Arte, Mediapart and Libération, relayed his story and called for his release.
Mortaza Behboudi is a talented journalist who has collaborated with numerous French editorial offices. He notably worked on the series of reports “Through Afghanistan, under the Taliban”, rewarded with the Bayeux prize for war correspondents.
His release is a relief for the entire profession and for the defense of press freedom. Unfortunately, there are still many journalists and media collaborators in detention around the world. RSF counts 514 journalists and 23 collaborators currently in detention. It is essential to continue to mobilize for their release and for the defense of freedom of expression.
The release of Mortaza Behboudi is a victory for the press and recalls the importance of the work of journalists in countries where freedom of expression is threatened. Let us hope that this release marks a step towards better protection of journalists and greater recognition of their crucial role in our society.