KABUL — Today marks the fourth anniversary of the death of Yama Siawash, a prominent anchor for TOLOnews, who was killed in a targeted explosion in Kabul on November 7, 2020.
Siawash, known for his fearless journalism, died when a bomb detonated, striking the vehicle he was traveling outside his home in the Macroyan neighborhood of Kabul. The incident underscored the dangers journalists faced in Afghanistan, especially during a period marked by escalating violence against media workers.
Following Siawash’s death, calls for justice came swiftly from his family, colleagues, and human rights organizations, including Human Rights Watch. They have repeatedly urged authorities to investigate the killing and bring the perpetrators to justice.
The attack occurred during a particularly perilous time for Afghan journalists. According to a United Nations report, 33 media professionals in Afghanistan were killed in various attacks between 2018 and 2021, highlighting the significant risks facing those in the field.
Siawash was born in 1984 in Kohistan district, Kapisa province. He joined TOLOnews in 2010, where he became widely recognized for anchoring Farakhabar, a popular current affairs program that held politicians and officials accountable. Siawash left the network in 2015 but continued to be active in writing and composing lyrics. He held a degree from the School of Law and Legal Affairs at Noida International University in India.
His legacy is remembered by friends, family, and the broader journalistic community as one of courage and dedication to the truth.
