Taliban have revoked the operating licences of an unspecified number of organizations that support media and journalists, while extending the licences of three others, according to a statement from the Taliban-run Ministry of Information and Culture.
The ministry said the decision followed a review of “repeated complaints” of media outlets and journalists against “media organizations”, a term it used to refer to institutions that work in support of journalists and media development.
According to the statement, most of the organizations reviewed were found to be “irresponsible” or inactive, prompting the ministry to revoke their licences nationwide. The ministry said only three organizations were granted licence extensions.
The statement did not identify any of the organizations affected, nor did it specify the criteria used in the review process.
The ministry said the move was aimed at preventing the misuse of the names of journalists and media institutions, while ensuring that the activities of media-support organizations are “effective, regulated and credible”.
Afghanistan’s media sector has faced sweeping restrictions since the Taliban returned to power in August 2021, including curbs on content, arrests of journalists and the closure of many organizations that provided training, legal support and advocacy for reporters.
Press freedom groups estimate that a significant number of media-support organizations have suspended or scaled back operations since 2021 due to funding shortages, security concerns and regulatory pressure.
The Taliban have repeatedly said they support media activity within what they describe as an “Islamic framework”, but rights groups say the operating environment for journalists and media-related institutions has continued to deteriorate.
The ministry did not say whether affected organizations would be allowed to reapply for licences or appeal the decision.
