INFORMATION – Journalists Targeted by the Taliban

After the Taliban took power, local media’s news gathering in Afghanistan became almost non-existent. Thousands of Afghan journalists, including hundreds of women with recognizable faces, were immediate targets of Taliban militia reprisals, forcing many into hiding or fleeing.

In the 2020 World Press Freedom Index by Reporters Without Borders, Afghanistan ranked 122nd out of 180 countries and was classified as “not free” on Freedom House’s global map.

Even under the previous government of Ashraf Ghani, there were attempts to limit independent reporting with a proposed law requiring source disclosure. Protests by the involved categories blocked the attempt, justified by fear of reprisals. The situation has since worsened.

On July 20, 2022, UNAMA published a report on human rights in Afghanistan, stating: “In the 10 months since they took control of Afghanistan, the de facto authorities have made their stance on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly, expression, and opinion clear. They have limited dissent by suppressing protests and restricting media freedom, including arbitrary arrests of journalists, protesters, and civil society activists and imposing restrictions on media.” According to the UNAMA report, 173 journalists and media workers were affected, with 163 incidents attributed to the de facto authorities. These included 122 cases of arbitrary arrest and detention, 58 cases of mistreatment, 33 cases of threats and intimidation, and 12 cases of detention. Six journalists were also killed during the first year of the regime (five by ISIS-K, one by unknown perpetrators).

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) published a report on August 11, 2022, highlighting the dire situation of information in Afghanistan a year after the Taliban took power. Censorship, arrests, assaults, restrictions on female journalists, and the exodus of experienced journalists have alarmingly reduced press freedom.

Human Rights Watch’s 2023 report, under the section Events 2022 – Freedom of Press and Speech, stated: “The Taliban authorities implemented extensive censorship and imposed restrictions and violence against Afghan media in Kabul and the provinces. Hundreds of media outlets have been closed, and it is estimated that 80% of female journalists in Afghanistan have lost their jobs or left the profession since the Taliban took power in August 2021.”

Currently, the situation has deteriorated. Afghan journalists who wish to stay in their country and not leave must be supported because evacuation cannot be the solution. The threats from the repressive and rigid Taliban regime cannot prevent the truth about what is happening in the country from emerging. In this regard, we have gathered testimonies from those who remain inside and continue to resist.

Are there still radio or television stations broadcasting nationally? If so, how many and which ones?

Although many radio and television channels were shut down after the Taliban took power, many are still operational. There is severe censorship imposed by the Taliban, and many journalists, news anchors, and editors have been arrested and threatened. Therefore, all media are very cautious in their reporting.

What kind of programs are being broadcast, and in what language?

Most entertainment programs have been closed. No movies or series, even those with religious themes, are aired. In the past, many soap operas from Turkey and India were aired in Dari and Pashto. National TV now follows the Taliban agenda and is banned from broadcasting such content.

Can newscasts broadcast images?

Yes, newscasts can broadcast images, but most images on billboards and shops in the city have been removed.

Is it true that taking photos or videos is no longer allowed?

Officially, it is not banned. Different Taliban groups act according to their methods. Some groups stop people, check their cell phones, and delete images and videos, while other groups do not bother.

Are there female journalists who can work? Do they have to be fully covered?

Most female journalists are banned from appearing on TV screens, and the few who do must strictly adhere to the Taliban’s hijab requirements. They must dress in black from head to toe and even wear a black mask, with only their eyes visible.

Are there any underground newspapers or press?

Some newspapers and TV channels operate from abroad while having secret journalists inside Afghanistan or buying most material from international news agencies. They also use social media material shared by netizens within the country.

What type of media does the Taliban regime use for its propaganda?

National TV and radio.