KABUL, Afghanistan — A watchdog group representing Afghan journalists in exile says Taliban authorities carried out more than 50 raids on media outlets over the past year, as part of what it described as an escalating crackdown on press freedom across the country.
In its annual report, Afghan Journalists in Exile — a collective based in Europe and North America — said it documented 232 violations against journalists and media organizations in 1403 (March 2024–March 2025), including 53 direct raids, 152 cases of violence or intimidation, and 27 temporary closures of media outlets by Taliban authorities.
The report describes 1403 as “the most difficult year” for free expression in Afghanistan since the Taliban returned to power, citing widespread censorship, forced compliance with Taliban narratives, and the closure of dozens of independent newsrooms.
According to the group, the Taliban issued at least five new restrictive directives in the past year, banning live political or economic programming, use of imagery depicting living beings, critical commentary on Taliban policies, guest appearances without prior approval, and mandating honorific language such as “martyr” when reporting Taliban casualties.
“These directives have led to a steep decline in independent journalism,” the report said, “and driven many journalists toward self-censorship or exile.”
Media closures and new state-backed outlets
The watchdog said 27 media outlets were shut down in the past year due to Taliban-imposed restrictions, and that 13 remain closed. At the same time, Taliban authorities reportedly launched four new outlets in several provinces to strengthen state messaging.
Women in media have borne the brunt of Taliban pressure, according to the report. Many female reporters were forced out of jobs or barred from appearing on-air, with some only permitted to work in limited areas like cultural coverage.
The report also noted that two-thirds of female-headed households are unable to meet basic food needs, highlighting the compounded impact of economic crisis and media suppression.
“With the shutdown of many outlets and rising pressure on those that remain, a significant number of Afghan journalists have lost their livelihoods and been forced to flee the country,” the group said.
It concluded with a call for international support to help protect journalists still working in Afghanistan and to provide safe pathways for those seeking refuge abroad.
