KANDAHAR, Afghanistan - Afghan journalists, who risk life and limb to cover the news, have a new, secure location from which to operate in the country's second-largest city.
What is being called the Kandahar Press Club opened Tuesday, giving local reporters a press centre in which to work, hold news conferences and file stories.
Fazal Rehman, a local journalist, who works for Voice of America, says the centre gives the media community a place to meet and exchange ideas.
He says healthy debate is important for Afghan democracy.
"The media plays a very good role in society," said Rehman through a translator. "Welcome. This is a house for all journalists."
The centre is located behind 10-metre-high concrete blast barriers, which were paid for by the Canadian government.
Canada's civilian representative in Kandahar, Ben Rowswell, says journalists in Kandahar are already very aware of the risks, but the centre sends an important message to Afghans about the value of an independent media.
At least two journalists have been killed over the past three years and many more have been threatened, either by the Taliban with night letters or phone calls. They also have reason to fear corrupt government officials.
Insurgents will often call the cellphones of journalists employed by western publications, telling them to "stop working for infidels."
Taimoor Shah, who writes for the New York Times from Kandahar, says it's frightening, but they can't give up.
"It's difficult, especially when things are so insecure," Shah said.
A car bomb recently exploded outside a hotel often used by Kandahar reporters, an attack for which the Taliban claimed responsibility.
Some have been wounded in bombings.
The centre, which has been in the works for months, will provide safety, said Rowswell.
"Journalists can gather here, they can organize themselves, which will help deal with any potential issues that come up," he said.
"I think this sends an important message, that we care about independent media."
Rowswell said the point of Canada's mission in Afghanistan is to connect the Afghan government with the people. Journalists, he said, are crucial conduits in that connection.
There needs to be a free flow of information in order to build trust, and that cannot be done without an independent media, he added.
The Harper government has come under repeated criticism amid accusations it is secretive and manages information carefully.
But Rowswell just chuckled and said: "I think freedom of the press is very well protected in Canada. The government of Canada is entirely committed to the freedom of the press, both in our country and here."
