Media Freedom in Afghanistan Under Taliban Control: A Call to Action

Human Rights Watch has stated that since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan, they have severely restricted media freedom through censorship and threats. The organization has warned that the oversight of intelligence and the pressure of the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice police on journalists has almost eradicated freedom of expression in Afghanistan…

Human Rights Watch has announced in its latest report that since the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan in August 2021, the media landscape of the country has been unprecedentedly under control and pressure.

According to this international body, the Taliban intelligence agency has direct oversight over media content, and the publication of any critical or independent report can lead to the arrest and punishment of journalists. In a statement published on Thursday, November 1, it has been stated that the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice police, alongside intelligence, imposes extensive religious and social restrictions, particularly against women.

Severe Restrictions on Freedom of Expression

Farisha Abbasi, an Afghanistan researcher at Human Rights Watch, stated that the Taliban have forced journalists to publish only reports that are approved by officials or lack critical content. She added: Any journalist who crosses the Taliban’s red line faces the danger of arrest, torture, or removal from the media scene.

The Taliban’s Stance on Criticism

So far, the Taliban have not commented on this report. However, in the past, they have emphasized that media should operate within the framework of Islamic Sharia and Afghan values. Media experts say this vague framework has become a tool for complete control over the flow of information in the country.

Increased Need for Independent Media

Human Rights Watch has warned that with the expansion of media repression, Afghan society needs free and independent media more than ever to reflect the realities. The organization has called on the international community to provide more serious support for Afghan journalists both inside and outside the country.