Afghanistan: Journalists’ Rights Violated, Taliban Denies Pressure on Media

Afghanistan: Journalists' Rights Violated, Taliban Denies Pressure on Media

VoM News Desk | December 31, 2023 | 09:52 AM IST | Breaking News, Crime, World | Follow on Google News

Afghanistan: Journalists’ Rights Violated, Taliban Denies Pressure on Media

Afghanistan: Journalists’ Rights Violated, Taliban Denies Pressure on Media

In 2023, the Afghanistan Journalists Center recorded 168 documented instances of journalists’ rights violations, alarming the media community amid concerns over the deteriorating situation, TOLOnews reported. The violations included 61 reported journalist arrests, 78 threats, one death, and 19 injuries.

Despite a decrease in recorded cases compared to 2022, the quality and structure of the violations remain unchanged, according to the Afghanistan Journalists Centre. Journalists and media professionals urged the interim administration to take decisive actions to address ongoing issues faced by media personnel under the Taliban regime.

Advocating for a commission to handle media violations, journalist Rasul Shahzad stressed the need for a transparent investigative process for media-related offenses. Meanwhile, Mustafa Sharyar emphasized the importance of bolstering media organizations’ economies and supporting access to information.

However, Taliban spokesperson Zabiullah Mujahid refuted these claims, asserting that the media operates freely without pressure. He attributed reported cases to violations or temporary detentions related to criminal or legal matters.

Journalists in Afghanistan face stringent regulations, especially regarding security-related coverage. Restrictions prohibit reporting on explosions and suicide attacks, making reporting under the Taliban increasingly challenging.

Following the Taliban’s ascent to power in August 2021, assurances were made regarding media freedom. However, subsequent rules imposed strict monitoring and censorship, quashing the initial freedom observed during the early weeks of their rule.

Amidst deteriorating media freedom, Afghan journalists confront heightened risks, arrests, persecution, and death threats for covering sensitive topics that don’t align with Taliban directives. Female journalists face compounded challenges due to their gender, enduring pressure and restrictions under Taliban rule, including limitations on education and work opportunities.

The restrictions imposed on women by the Taliban, barring them from various activities, significantly impact female journalists, creating a double layer of challenges due to their profession and gender. The situation highlights the growing concerns over diminishing media liberties in Afghanistan under Taliban governance.

VoM News Desk

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