The Taliban’s Ministry of Vice and Virtue has confirmed the detention of three journalists in Khost province, accusing them of legal violations related to their broadcast content. The journalists allegedly played music and allowed women to participate in their programs, which contradicts the ministry’s directives.
According to a statement from the department, media outlets in Khost were previously instructed to avoid broadcasting music and facilitating women’s participation in recreational programming. The statement indicated that some outlets had breached these guidelines.
The journalists detained are Ismail Saadat of Radio Naz, Wahidullah Masoom of Radio Iqra, and Ehsanullah Tassal of Radio Khalko Ghaz (Voice of the People). They were arrested on Monday.
The arrests have prompted significant backlash from journalist support organizations, including Reporters Without Borders and the Committee to Protect Journalists.
