Nai in Exile, a media-support group for Afghanistan, condemned the Taliban’s nationwide internet blackout as a “great betrayal,” saying it violates the rights of 40 million citizens.
Fiber-optic services were cut across the country Monday evening, followed by mobile internet outages. The Taliban have not offered a formal explanation, though in the past they said restrictions were aimed at “preventing immoral behavior.”
In a statement, Nai in Exile said the shutdown blocks education, information and income opportunities, calling it part of Taliban efforts to silence Afghans from reaching the outside world.
The group warned the decision risks turning Afghanistan into “a big prison,” stressing that digital access is now an essential part of communication and progress.
It urged the international community and countries engaging with the Taliban to cut ties with the group and help provide alternative technologies to restore internet access.
Taliban have yet to comment publicly on the blackout.
