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Afghan candidates accused of intimidating journalists
Afghan President Hamid Karzai and his chief election rival, Abdullah Abdullah, must stop their supporters intimidating journalists and monitors reporting on allegations of fraud during the country's recent presidential elections, Amnesty International said today.
Since the August 20 polls, Amnesty International has received evidence of at least 20 cases of intimidation, harassment and violence against Afghan journalists and media organizations as they reported on suspected cases of electoral fraud or irregularities.
Amnesty International has also received reports of intimidation and harassment against electoral workers and election monitors by Afghan government officials and affiliates of powerful candidates.
"Millions of Afghan women and men cast their votes on 20 August despite the serious insecurity and the threats by the Taliban and armed groups, choosing to express their will through ballots and hoping for a better future," said Sam Zarifi, Amnesty International's Asia-Pacific director.
"As uncertainty around the outcome continues, harassment of journalists and monitors further erodes the credibility and legitimacy of the election and undermines the people's votes."