RASC News Agency: November 7 marks the fourth anniversary of the tragic assassination of Yama Siawash, one of Afghanistan’s most renowned journalists, who was killed in a targeted bombing in Kabul. Siawash, a prominent anchor at TOLOnews, was killed on November 7, 2020, when a bomb targeted his vehicle in the Macroyan area of Kabul. Known for his courageous reporting and incisive interviews, Siawash had become a leading figure in Afghanistan journalism, with a large and loyal following, symbolizing success in an industry fraught with danger.
Following his death, his family, friends, and numerous organizations, including Human Rights Watch, have repeatedly called for an investigation into the incident and the prosecution of those responsible. However, the case remains unresolved, and no group has officially claimed responsibility for the murder. This event occurred amidst a broader wave of violence against journalists in Afghanistan.
According to United Nations reports, 33 media professionals in Afghanistan were killed in various attacks between 2018 and 2021. Born in 1984 in the Kohistan district of Kapisa province, Siawash began his career at TOLOnews in 2010 and left the network in 2015. He was best known as the host of “Farakhabar”, a prominent program where he held politicians and government officials accountable. In addition to his journalistic work, Siawash was a writer and lyricist, having graduated in law from Noida International University in India.
On this somber anniversary, many Afghanistanis have expressed their sorrow, calling Siawash’s death a monumental loss for Afghanistan journalism. They remember him as a courageous and exemplary journalist, whose legacy continues to inspire the media community in Afghanistan.
