On the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists, the United Kingdom envoy underscored his commitment to media freedom, highlighting the plight of Afghan journalists operating under severe restrictions imposed by the Taliban.
In a statement on X, Robert C. Dickson, the chargé d’affaires of the U.K. Mission to Afghanistan, emphasized that media freedom remains a vital right under threat globally. “Delighted that the U.K. and Canada recognized the courage of Afghan journalists in 2024 through Amu TV,” he wrote, referring to a recent award honoring Afghan reporters for their bravery.
The U.K. mission also announced on X that the 2024 Canada-U.K. Media Freedom Award had been awarded to independent Afghan journalists, celebrating their commitment to delivering critical news despite Taliban restrictions. The Taliban’s regulations severely limit journalists’ access to information, and a new law prohibits the filming of living beings, curtailing the media’s ability to document events.
Since the Taliban’s return to power, Afghan journalists have faced escalating threats and arrests, with dozens reportedly detained in connection to their work.
