Statement Attributable to the Spokesman
to the President of Islamic Republic of Afghanistan Regarding
the Newsweek’s Acknowledgement of Mistake in Reporting
Released by the Office of the Spokesman to the President
05/16/2005
Presidential Palace, Kabul - The Office of the
Spokesperson to the President of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan
expresses displeasure at hearing the acknowledgement by the
Newsweek Magazine of factual error in their reporting of the
alleged desecration of the Holy Quran by US soldiers in the
Guantanamo Bay prison.
The publication of the alleged desecration of
the Holy Quran in the May 9th, 2005 edition of Newsweek resulted
in strong public reaction in Afghanistan which provided an opportunity
to the enemies of Afghanistan to orchestrate violence and destruction
of public property in several Afghan provinces.
Jawed Ludin, the Spokesman said:
“Newsweek’s statement today is welcome
because it clarifies an issue of significant importance and
sensitivity for Muslims across the world. However, we express
in the strongest terms our disapproval of Newsweek’s approach
to reporting which allowed them to run the story without proper
examination beforehand. We would like to emphasize the need
for a professional and sensitive approach to journalism particularly
with regards to reporting on potentially sensitive issues.”
