KABUL - Afghan and foreign journalists on Wednesday boycotted the coverage of the Wolesi Jirga session to protest what they called censorship of house proceedings by the technical team.

Previously, journalists covered from their gallery the proceedings. But after the assembly's summer recess, a separate hall having a large TV set was set up for journalists covering the Jirga session.

At times, the technical team of the lower house censors the proceedings and deprives reporters of adequate access to public-interest information.

A public representative from Kabul, Ramazan Bashardost hit out at 2nd Deputy Speaker Niamatullah Ghafari, but journalists in the hall -- the media pool -- could not hear the lawmaker.

Horse trading had started after the introduction of three Cabinet picks and the spy chief, Ghafari alleged, asking MPs not to vote for the candidates on the recommendation of anyone

"The presidential picks for National Directorate of Security chief and interior minister you're your phone numbers. They know you. They themselves should call you to explain their plans and win you vote. There is no need for others to be part of this wheeling and dealing,"he added.

Criticising Ghafari, Bashardost said: "You are encouraging members to deal directly with the ministers and spy chief-designate." As he spoke, the lawmaker's microphone was disconnected and technical personnel stopped screening his photograph.

As a result, the journalists boycotted the session's coverage. Pajhwok Afghan News reporter Abasin Zaheer said on behalf of his colleagues if the Wolesi Jirga did not resolve the issue of censorship until Monday, they would press on with their protest.

Under the constitution, national assembly sessions are open to media professionals. But the house can go for in-camera proceedings in case of a request from the speaker or at least 10 MPs.

TV 1 reporter Ahmad Khalid Maqsudi backed the journalists' decision, complaining that the media pool had hindered their access to necessary information.

Hamid Siddiqui, a reporter with Noor TV channel, said: "We have no problem with the media pool. But the issue of censorship must be addressed immediately."

Lawmakers from Kabul, Baktash Siawash and Ramazan Bashardost joined the journalists in boycotting the session over censorship of proceedings.

Pledging a boycott of the house unless the issue was resolved, Siawash warned: "If this censorship doesn't end during the current week, I would go on an indefinite hunger strike."

Bashardost also vowed to stay away from the house, alleging: "Some Afghan and foreign conmen have set up the $20 million media pool to gag outspoken public representatives…"

Asadullah Saadati, a legislator from central Daikundi province, opposed the restrictions on the coverage of house proceedings and backed journalists' boycott.

The head of Wolesi Jirga's Commission on Religious and Cultural Affairs told reporters the house board would resolve the problem. Kamal Nasir Usuli urged journalists to end their boycott. (Pajhwok)