Media

Sputnik, a rumour-mongering website based on lies: Afghan officials

By Ziar

Russian media outlet Sputnik has no concept of journalistic integrity or ethical standards, according to Afghan media observers and officials. [Sputnik/Alexey Filippov]

Russian media outlet Sputnik has no concept of journalistic integrity or ethical standards, according to Afghan media observers and officials. [Sputnik/Alexey Filippov]

KABUL -- Afghan officials and media observers are expressing concern over some media outlets that publish "news" with no regard for journalistic principles such as integrity and accuracy.

Russian news website Sputnik is a prime example.

"The work of some media outlets, and especially of some websites that are active in Afghanistan, violates the principles of journalism," Mohammad Saber Momand, a spokesman for the Afghan Ministry of Information and Culture, told Salaam Times.

"Most of the reports published by Sputnik are far from the truth and are filled with exaggerations," he said. "The activity of such media has only one outcome, which is creating chaos in a nation's public opinion."

An image of Sputnik's website taken February 19 shows an article titled 'The Departure of the Soul from the Patient's Body'. Such click-bait articles are meant to lure unsuspecting readers, sceptics say. [File]

An image of Sputnik's website taken February 19 shows an article titled 'The Departure of the Soul from the Patient's Body'. Such click-bait articles are meant to lure unsuspecting readers, sceptics say. [File]

Sputnik publishes Dari-language content for Afghan readers. Russia also operates a shortwave radio station, Voice of Russia, that broadcasts in multiple languages, including Pashtu and Dari.

"Fortunately, the younger generation of Afghans, who have open minds, are aware of the nature of the work of such media," Momand said. "Nowadays when an incident occurs, everyone follows the developments from several media outlets."

"When we have several sources to pursue the news, the media [outlets] with more precision will automatically stand out [from the others]," he said.

"The Ministry of Information and Culture has plans to publicise the potential dangers of such media outlets," he said. "Implementation of that [policy] will leave media outlets like Sputnik with no audience in Afghanistan."

Afghans resist rumour mongering

"It must be mentioned that in their presentation of news, media outlets like Sputnik ignore the core principles of journalism, which are precision and accuracy," said Abdul Muijb Khalwatgar, executive director of NAI, a non-profit organisation advocating for free media in Afghanistan.

"Fortunately, the number of such [rumour-spreading media outlets] is minimal, and they are mostly online," he told Salaam Times.

Sputnik was founded on the basis of the Russian government's aggressive campaign to spread lies and misinformation, Khalwatgar said. "Such acts, however, do not have a place in journalism."

"Based on its policy, this website does not propagate information in accordance with the principles of journalism," he said. "In other words ... it is mainly spreading rumours."

Luckily, Afghans are resistant to rumour mongering, according to Khalwatgar.

"Afghans have a clear and realistic vision," he said. "The audiences of Sputnik, who mostly live in cities, can differentiate between media outlets that exaggerate and those that present the truth."

"The Afghan government, media, civil society activists and university professors are all responsible for providing information to the public, as well as to those who are considered Sputnik's audiences," Khalwatgar said. "Public awareness can prevent the emergence of anarchism in collective thought."

Mojtaba Akrami, 24, a Kabul-based Afghan journalist who spends much of his time publishing news on social media pages, said he encounters many media websites that are "not based on the principles of journalism".

"Today I came across a piece of news on Sputnik titled, 'The Departure of the Soul from the Patient's Body.' The article was accompanied by a non-working video clip," he told Salaam Times. "In my opinion, through such tricks Sputnik is trying to attract more visitors to its website, but to no avail."

"I never revisit a news source when I come across such phony news," he said. "Sputnik is a rumour-spreading website, one that the Afghan youth will never believe."

Sputnik seeks 'to create anxiety'

Farhad Sediqi, a lawmaker in the Wolesi Jirga (lower chamber of parliament) representing Kabul, condemned the actions of Sputnik and other disreputable media outlets.

"Sputnik ... always publishes on the basis of mere lies," he told Salaam Times. "This website is sponsored by Russia to spread rumours and fabrications in order to create anxiety."

"As a representative of the people, I condemn the Russian media outlet Sputnik," he said. "The Afghan government should stop its activities through diplomatic channels and should develop a clear strategy to [regulate] the work of foreign media outlets inside Afghanistan."

"Any media that work against the fundamental basics of journalism should be investigated," Mohammad Hashim Alokozay, a member of the Meshrano Jirga (upper house of parliament) representing Helmand, told Salaam Times.

"The principle of being balanced is considered a standard in [the media industry]," he said. "Nevertheless, the public must be informed that Sputnik publishes distortions and that they should never believe it. I personally do not go to this website to acquire information."

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hello I think the government of Afghanistan should get a new policy at each situation of our country. like the government might make a good chance for the students want to go scholarship at another country for improve their skills and improve own knowledge and came back at country and servicer on their country. I am sure the Afghanistan government are able to do it. thankful .....

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Hi dear sir that will be very proud that I study more that will be your kindness that gave this chenes that i will study more and also i am emailing from afghanistan kabul sincerely omid niazai

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