November 7 marks the fifth anniversary of the death of Yama Siawash, a prominent journalist who was killed in a targeted car bombing in Kabul in 2020.
Siawash died when explosives planted in his vehicle detonated near his residence in the Macroryan neighborhood of the capital. The attack, which shocked the media community, remains unsolved. His family, colleagues, and human rights groups have repeatedly called for a thorough investigation and accountability for those responsible.
From 2010 to 2015, Siawash was a well-known host at TOLO News, one of Afghanistan’s largest television networks. He gained widespread recognition for hosting “Farakhabar,” a current affairs show where he pressed officials and politicians with tough questions. Beyond journalism, he was also a writer and lyricist.
Siawash was born in 1984 in Kohistan district of Kapisa province and held a law degree from the Noida International University in India.
His assassination occurred during one of the most dangerous periods for journalists in Afghanistan. According to the United Nations, 33 journalists and media workers were killed in Afghanistan between 2018 and 2021, many in targeted attacks.
Despite repeated promises from authorities at the time to investigate, no one has been held accountable for Siawash’s killing.
