Radio Television Afghanistan
September 5, 2010, in Kabul, Afghanistan

Noori, 45, a prominent television journalist, was stabbed to death near his Kabul home, according to international news reports. On the night of the murder, Noori received a series of phone calls that prompted him to leave his apartment, Khalilullah Dastyar, deputy Kabul police chief, told Agence France-Presse. The journalist's body was found in a tree-covered area near his home, police said.

Noori worked for state-run Radio Television Afghanistan and held leadership positions in various journalist groups, news reports said. In 2004, he served as spokesman for Afghan President Hamid Karzai's main political rival, Mohammad Yunus Qanooni, and he continued to back groups that opposed Karzai's policies, AFP reported.

Karzai ordered the Interior Ministry, which oversees the country's police forces, to manage the investigation of the case, according to news reports.

Motive Unconfirmed: CPJ is investigating to determine whether the death was work-related.

This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.