KABUL, AFGHANISTAN – During the third year of Taliban rule in Afghanistan, the Afghanistan Journalist Center (AFJC) recorded 181 incidents of press freedom violations, including threats and arrests, reflecting an increase compared to the previous year.
In a report on media and journalistic freedom during the third year of Taliban rule, AFJC highlighted 133 threats, the temporary closure of four media outlets, and the permanent shutdown of four others.
The report also noted the suspension of several media licenses and the arrests of 48 journalists and media workers, with two still in custody.
The media watchdog said that although no targeted attacks against journalists or media organizations were recorded this year, the media sector continues to struggle with severe economic challenges, including declining commercial advertising and rising tax burdens.
“Many media workers still seek refuge in neighboring countries like Pakistan and Iran, or attempt to resettle in Western nations,” AFJC said. “Conditions for Afghan refugees, including journalists, have deteriorated, and many asylum applications from journalists have gone unaccepted by Western countries, leaving them struggling with economic hardships and uncertainty,” it added.
Since the Taliban’s return, Afghanistan’s once-thriving free-press sector has nearly collapsed, with dozens of outlets closed or silenced under various accusations and hundreds of journalists and media professionals forced to flee the country.
Furthermore, over the past three years, the regime has detained, tortured, and in some cases, even killed dozens of journalists and media workers across the country. In most instances, the Taliban accuses journalists of collaborating with exiled media outlets and engaging in espionage for foreign media entities and groups opposed to the regime.
The AFJC says that although the Taliban claim to follow the previous government’s media law, which recognizes free media, their approach to the media has intensified over the past year, marked by the issuance of new directives.
“Taliban officials have released at least three new directives, despite the existing Media Law, which is selectively enforced. These directives include a ban on media using foreign terms to preserve national identity, and impose restrictions on photography and videography during official gatherings in Kandahar,” the watchdog said.
“Additionally, there is a ban on girls calling into radios and televisions in Khost province, a trend that has been noted in several other provinces,” it added.
According to AFJC, the new directive, added to the 14 issued during the first two years of Taliban rule, lacks a defined legal basis, and some of its provisions are unclear and ambiguous.
