Captured from the X page of Morteza Behboudi's wife, Aleksandra Mostovaja
Kabul, October 18, 2023 - Mortaza Behboudi, an Afghan-French journalist, has been released following a grueling 284 days behind bars at the GDI prison in Kabul. The Afghanistan Journalists Center expressed relief and delight at the long-awaited freedom, underscoring that Behboudi’s initial imprisonment was unwarranted.
At around 8pm Kabul time today, Aleksandra Mostovaja, the wife of Mortaza Behboudi, confirmed her husband's release in a statement on her social media platform "X" (formerly known as Twitter). Mrs. Mostovaja expressed her relief, stating, "With Mortaza's release, light has returned to my world, and our lives can now resume. I am deeply grateful for all the support we have received. Throughout the darkest of times, Mortaza's beautiful character has shone brightly. Let us strive to ensure that no one ever experiences such hardship again!"
Although the specific details regarding Mr. Behboudi's release, including any potential conditions imposed on his recovery and his current health status, as well as whether he has returned to France, remain undisclosed, Mrs. Mostovaja has chosen not to provide additional information on these matters.
Mortaza Behboudi, known for his extensive experience as a news photographer and reporter collaborating with various French media outlets, had traveled to Afghanistan from France with the noble intention of practicing journalism and gathering essential reports. Tragically, on January 7, while seeking to obtain his work credentials from the Taliban, he fell victim to unwarranted arrest by the General Directorate of Intelligence (GDI) in Kabul and was accused of espionage.
The Afghanistan Journalists Center (AFJC) welcomes Mortaza Behboudi's release, viewing his prolonged arrest and imprisonment for 284 days as a flagrant violation of the Afghanistan’s media law. AFJC emphasized that Morteza Behboudi’s freedom should never have been unjustly constrained from the beginning.
According to Afghanistan's media law, journalists and media professionals are entitled to exercise their professional duties without intimidation or restrictions, maintaining their autonomy and safeguarding the vital role they play in keeping the public informed.