KABUL, AFGHANISTAN – The Taliban have released Solaiman Rahel, a journalist and director of the private Khushhal Radio station in Ghazni province, after holding him for three months, the Afghanistan Journalists Center (AFJC) said.
Rahel was detained by Taliban intelligence on May 5. A court later sentenced him to three months in prison, accusing him of spreading “propaganda against the Taliban regime” through social media posts that reportedly highlighted local economic and social issues.
In a statement Saturday, the AFJC welcomed Rahel’s release but said his “unjust” detention highlights the continued threat to press freedom and the rights of journalists under Taliban rule.
Rahel’s release comes days after four other journalists and media workers were freed in Kabul after serving sentences ranging from two weeks to six months on similar charges.
AFJC says at least 10 journalists and media workers remain behind bars across the country, with some serving sentences of up to two years.
The media watchdog urged Taliban authorities to respect media freedom, release those still in custody, and allow journalists to work without fear, pressure, or arrest.
Press freedom in Afghanistan has sharply declined since the Taliban returned to power nearly four years ago. Journalists face routine threats, censorship, and arbitrary arrests — often for social media posts or links to foreign-based outlets.
A recent AFJC report documented a 56% rise in media rights violations in the first half of 2025, including 140 incidents — 120 threats and 20 arrests.
Rights groups continue to warn of growing risks for Afghan journalists, citing an environment of censorship, harassment, detention, and violence.
