Afghan Journalist Mahdi Ansari Released After 18 Months in Taliban Detention

Afghan Journalist Mahdi Ansari Released After 18 Months in Taliban Detention
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Mahdi Ansari, a local journalist based in Kabul, has been released after spending approximately 18 months in detention under the Taliban, according to the Afghanistan Journalists Center.

The organization stated that Ansari has now been reunited with his family following what it described as an “unjust detention.” His case had drawn concern from press freedom advocates, who argued that his fundamental rights were violated.

According to a report by Agence France-Presse, Ansari had been held at Bagram prison and was previously sentenced on charges of “propaganda against the Taliban,” allegedly linked to his cooperation with external media outlets.

Ansari was reported missing on 14 Mehr (early October) after leaving his workplace in the Dasht-e Barchi area of Kabul. Three days later, his family confirmed that he had been detained by Taliban intelligence forces.

Media rights groups have reiterated calls for greater protection of journalists in Afghanistan, expressing concern over ongoing restrictions and arrests targeting members of the press under Taliban rule.