KABUL, AFGHANISTAN – The Taliban has announced new directives banning live broadcasts of political programs and restricting guest invitations to those pre-approved by authorities.
During a meeting on September 21 with media outlet managers, authorities from the Ministry of Information and Culture outlined these regulations, according to the Afghanistan Journalists Center (AFJC) which describes the curb as a further attempt to undermine free media in the country.
Under the new directives, all political discussions must be pre-recorded, effectively eliminating live programming. Media outlets are required to invite guests only from a sanctioned list, with any deviations requiring prior approval from the Directorate of Media Supervision. Additionally, criticism of Taliban laws and officials is prohibited unless supported by verifiable evidence, imposing further constraints on journalistic expression.
Media representatives, speaking anonymously due to fears of retribution, disclosed that the details of these directives were communicated verbally just one day prior to the meeting. The AFJC has obtained a list of 68 individuals eligible for guest appearances, underscoring the restrictive nature of these regulations.
These measures follow the recent implementation of the Taliban’s Virtue and Vice laws, which impose even tighter controls on media content, including a ban on images of living beings. Since regaining power, the Taliban has issued at least 21 directives severely limiting press freedom and access to information.
The regime’s crackdown has led to the closure of over half of the country’s media outlets, including television and radio stations. Many journalists have fled the country or gone into hiding to avoid reprisals. Female journalists, in particular, face heightened restrictions, with gender-based segregation in workplaces and a ban on broadcasting women’s voices in certain provinces.
The Afghanistan Journalists’ Support Organization (AJSO), a German-based media watchdog, reported in March that no female journalists are currently active in 19 of Afghanistan’s 34 provinces. According to the AJSO, 95% of the media outlets still operating have seen their female employees leave following the political changes, while those remaining struggle with numerous workplace restrictions.
The AFJC has expressed deep concern over these latest measures, urging Taliban officials to reconsider their approach and allow the implementation of media laws that support independent journalism and free expression.
