Five journalists and media activists remain in Taliban custody despite the release of two reporters after 10 months in detention, the Afghanistan Journalists Center said.
The two journalists, Ghulam Mohiuddin Sahebzada, editor-in-chief, and Jahadmal Habibi, a reporter for the private Rasa Television channel, were freed on Monday afternoon after completing 10-month prison sentences, the group said. Both had been held at Bagram prison.
The journalists were arrested in February and later sentenced by a Taliban court to 10 months in jail on charges of “propaganda against the Taliban,” according to the journalists’ centre. Rasa Television remains closed.
At least five other journalists and media activists are still being held in Taliban prisons, the organisation said, adding that some are serving prison sentences handed down by Taliban courts.
Since the Taliban returned to power in August 2021, dozens of journalists have been detained on accusations including cooperation with foreign-based media outlets or publishing content critical of the authorities, the AFJC said.
Media advocacy organisations say Afghanistan’s media sector has faced severe pressure over the past four years. One media support group said journalists have documented more than 550 cases of violations and violence against media workers, along with over 25 restrictive decrees imposed by the Taliban.
According to these organisations, critical journalism has been almost eliminated and women have been effectively pushed out of the media sector. They also say many journalists have fled the country due to restrictions and threats, while others continue to work in secrecy to avoid arrest or mistreatment.
