Afghanistan orders New York Times reporter to leave the country over his election story

KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — Afghanistan has ordered a New York Times reporter to leave the country in 24 hours and barred him from returning.

Matthew Rosenberg had written a story saying that a group of officials were considering seizing power because of the impasse over who won Afghanistan’s recent presidential election.

The Times reports the Afghan attorney general’s office called Rosenberg into their office yesterday and asked him to reveal his sources, which he refused to do. Saying the story threatened Afghanistan’s stability and security, the attorney general’s office today announced Rosenberg was being expelled in a statement that suggested his reporting, which relied largely on unnamed sources, was fabricated.

On its website, the newspaper says it’s “appalled” by the government’s decision to expel Rosenberg and stands by his story. Times executive editor Dean Baquet (BAY’-kwet) says Rosenberg “was perfectly willing to talk to the Afghan government” but wasn’t going to reveal his sources.

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Federal News Network Logo
Log in to your WTOP account for notifications and alerts customized for you.

Sign up