KABUL, AFGHANISTAN – The Afghanistan Journalists Center (AFJC) reports that Taliban agents have detained local journalist Mohammad Ibrahim Mohtaj in the southern Kandahar province.
In a statement released on Monday, AFJC stated that the journalist working for Millat Zagh (Voice of the Nation), a local radio station in Kandahar, was arrested by agents from the Taliban Department for Propagation of Virtue and Prevention of Vice on Saturday, July 27.
The reason for the journalist’s arrest remains unclear, and Taliban authorities have not yet commented on the incident.
AFJC expressed concern over the journalist’s arrest, calling on the Taliban authorities in Kandahar to release him immediately and without any condition.
The media watchdog also urged the Taliban to address any complaints from journalists or media outlets through the Media Complaint and Violations Commission and to take action in accordance with the Afghanistan Media Law.
This is the latest incident involving the arrest of journalists in Kandahar province. According to AFJC, at least three journalists have been arrested by Taliban agents in the province just this month.
Two weeks ago, Taliban intelligence agents arrested freelance journalist Mohammad Yar Majrooh in Kandahar without providing any explanation to his family and friends.
In a report released on July 18, AFJC documented at least 89 cases of violence against journalists and media workers by the Taliban since January, including 60 threats and 29 arrests.
The report highlights increased pressure on private and independent media from Taliban authorities, particularly the General Directorate of Intelligence (GDI) and the Ministry of Virtue and Vice, which are closely monitoring media content and interfering in the operations of local media outlets.
The media watchdog said that access to information remains restricted, with Taliban officials frequently reluctant to speak with journalists. Moreover, journalists are not permitted to report on issues that have not been confirmed by the Taliban authorities.
“Additionally, journalists’ personal accounts and social media postings are closely monitored and censored. Furthermore, journalists have been receiving warnings for cooperating with exile media that covers Afghanistan issues,” AFJC said.
