Since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan, press freedom has faced severe restrictions, with journalists enduring threats, censorship, and violence. According to a recent report by the Afghanistan Journalists Center (AFJC), violations against media and journalists have increased by 24% under Taliban rule.
The AFJC report highlights that from March 2024 to the present, 181 cases of violations against journalists have been recorded. These include 131 instances of threats and 50 arrests. Additionally, over 22 cases involved the suspension or shutdown of media outlets. Currently, 10 journalists remain in prison, with four sentenced to two to three years behind bars.
In 2023, the AFJC documented 139 cases of media rights violations, including 80 threats and 59 arrests. Nearly four years after the Taliban’s takeover, press freedom has drastically declined, with raids on offices, arrests, and the closure of several media organizations becoming commonplace.
Amnesty International has previously called on the Taliban to immediately end the suppression of free expression and the mistreatment of journalists. However, the situation continues to deteriorate, with a dangerous rise in violence and threats against journalists.
The Taliban’s oppressive and violent policies have cast a dark shadow over Afghan journalism, leaving media professionals in a precarious and hostile environment. The international community has expressed growing concern over the escalating crackdown on press freedom in Afghanistan.
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