Ahead of World Press Freedom Day, the US mission for Afghanistan described the role of a free press as “pivotal” in keeping citizens informed and fostering public conversations on important issues.
The mission stated, “In Afghanistan, let’s celebrate the power of a free press to promote transparency and empower citizens.”
The calls for supporting the free press in Afghanistan come as media face dire challenges following the Taliban’s takeover.
Dozens of journalists have been detained and tortured by the Taliban in the nearly three years since their control began. Additionally, hundreds of journalists have lost their jobs as many media outlets were forced to close under pressure and restrictions imposed by the Taliban.
