The Afghanistan Journalists Center reported on Thursday that at least 90 cases of threats and arrests of journalists have been recorded in the past six months.
Covering the period from January to June 2024, the watchdog’s report also documented 89 cases of violence against journalists and violations of media rights. The incidents include 60 cases of threats against journalists and media officials and 29 cases of arrests.
The report noted that Taliban threats forced seven media outlets to cease operations during this period. Specifically, two television channels were threatened by the Taliban-controlled Ministry of Justice, and two radio stations were targeted by the Taliban-run Ghazni municipality. One radio station in Laghman and another in Parwan were also forced to halt activities, while one in Khost was closed by the Taliban’s security command.
Three local radio stations were temporarily closed for a few days to a week, but the two television channels and two radio stations have not been allowed to resume operations. The report also mentioned that a journalist detained on April 6 remains in Taliban custody.
“The review of the past six months shows that pressure on private and independent media in the country has not only not decreased, but monitoring of media content has also increased,” the watchdog stated.
The Afghanistan Journalists Center criticized the interference of “irresponsible entities,” particularly the Taliban’s intelligence and vice and virtue ministry, which directly and indirectly supervise media operations.
The report also revealed that media outlets in the southern and eastern provinces have been threatened by the Taliban for broadcasting content from non-local media featuring women’s voices or programs with musical backgrounds. Local journalists working with international media can only cover news approved by local Taliban officials.
“These pressures also include restrictions on the publication of any content or topics on social media and the personal accounts of journalists,” the report cited.
It also highlighted the lack of attention and negligence toward the media by local Taliban officials.
The Taliban has been accused of various human rights violations, including suppression of free speech. Amnesty International recently stated on social media that the Taliban must respect and protect human rights in Afghanistan, calling for an end to corporal punishment, extrajudicial killings, arbitrary arrests, torture, gender persecution of women, and denial of education.
