CPJ Urges Taliban to End Crackdown on Independent Media in Afghanistan

CPJ Urges Taliban to End Crackdown on Independent Media in Afghanistan
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The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has called on the Taliban to end restrictions on independent media in Afghanistan and allow the BBC to resume its radio broadcasts unconditionally, warning that the suspension further limits public access to independent news.

According to Afghan Shafaqna, the BBC World Service said Taliban authorities had halted its FM radio broadcasts nationwide, alleging violations of the country’s media policies. Taliban spokesperson Habib Ghufran said the suspension was temporary and followed repeated violations, but did not provide further details.

Waliullah Rahmani, CPJ’s representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan, called for the decision to be reversed and urged the authorities to clarify its legal basis.

The suspension comes amid longstanding restrictions on journalists and media organizations since the Taliban returned to power in August 2021. CPJ has warned that continued pressure on independent outlets threatens press freedom and Afghans’ ability to access reliable, independent information.