Afghanistan Marks Five Years of Taliban Rule with Alarming Attacks on Journalists

The Nai Media Foundation reported the killing of six journalists and alarming conditions for freedom of expression in Afghanistan, marking the fifth anniversary of Taliban rule.

Six Journalists Killed in Afghanistan; Nai Calls Situation Alarming

The Nai Media Foundation, dedicated to supporting independent journalism in Afghanistan, released a report highlighting that the country has become a large prison for freedom of expression under Taliban governance. This exiled organization noted the killing of six journalists and mentioned the involvement of Taliban and ISIS-K militants in these incidents.

More Than 700 Violent Incidents Against Journalists in the Past Five Years

According to Nai’s report, over 700 cases of violence against journalists have been recorded in Afghanistan in the last five years. Siddiqullah Tawhidi, the head of the foundation, stated that the Taliban are responsible for most of these incidents, with one in three journalists having experienced imprisonment or torture.

Siddiqullah Tawhidi: Freedom of Expression Severely Restricted in Afghanistan

Tawhidi told Radio Free Europe, “Threats, intimidation, and restrictions have pushed the media environment to such an extent that journalists cannot even publish a single critical sentence.” He added that a situation has been created where criticism is essentially banned.

Dramatic Decrease in Women’s Presence in Media; From 1,800 to Fewer than 100

Nai reported a drastic reduction in the number of women employed in media, plummeting from approximately 1,800 during the republic to fewer than 100. Mina Akbari, a journalist, described the situation as extremely concerning.

Suppression of Media Freedom; Over 20 New Orders from the Taliban in Five Years

Reporters Without Borders has also emphasized that the Taliban have issued more than 20 orders to restrict media freedom during this period. These measures have created an environment where criticism of the government and political discussions are severely limited.