2008 Woodie Awards
Student braves Taliban
Before coming to America, W. Saleem Malakzay risked his life as a reporter
Crystal Childress
Issue date: 11/15/04 Section: News
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Malakzay has been in the United States for five years. He came to the U.S. in 1999.
He speaks five different languages, which include English, Pashto, Farsi, Urdu, and Arabic.
There were times when Malakzay was scared for his life; he illegally crossed borders to bring the news to the people; he said he had a good relationship with the commanders.
In Bamyan, Central Afghanistan, the Taliban burned thousands of homes and destroyed anything that stood in their way. The statue of Buddha collapsed.
Malakzay wrote for the Sahaar News Agency in Pakistan.
One story that he wrote for the Sahaar Newspaper caused a horrible reaction, one that almost cost him his life.
Within 24 hours of story, the Taliban came to his office saying it was to be closed.
They pointed a pistol to his head and threatened him about writing another story; he later found out the local police were involved.
After this, Malakzay was under house arrest for three weeks.
Malakzay went to the United Nations Protection Agency, told them his story, and they helped him get to the United States.
"The biggest signs of democracy are supposed to be dealing with people," he said. "Tanks, guns and wars usually do not help democracy; there are other ways."
"American people are lucky, they have the freedom of speech, they can express their point of views and ideas clearly," said Malakzay.
"I encourage all immigrants to come, learn, and get the skills to improve life," Malakzay said. "I did it in less than three years, and fluently speak English."
"My wife is now a student at Delta College, learning English, and my son is in the middle of high school," Malakzay said.