Nai in Exile, a media watchdog, said on Sunday that a female journalist detained by the Taliban in northern Afghanistan is being treated “like a prisoner of war” while in custody.
The group said journalist Nazera Rashidi has faced escalating mistreatment since her arrest by Taliban in Kunduz province.
Citing sources close to Rashidi’s family, Nai in Exile said she has been subjected to violence in detention and that Taliban guards have chained her hands and feet. Amu TV could not independently verify the claims.
According to the organisation, Rashidi left her home last Wednesday after receiving a phone call and was subsequently detained by Taliban.
Nai in Exile said it was deeply concerned about her condition and urged international organisations, including the United Nations, to pressure the Taliban to secure her release.
Rashidi, who worked for a local television station in Kunduz, has been held for five days, the group said.
Taliban have not commented on her detention or disclosed the reasons for her arrest.
Since returning to power in August 2021, Taliban have detained an average of about six journalists a month, Nai in Exile said. While some have later been released, the fate of others remains unknown.
