Taliban Ban on Afghanistan International Media Condemned as Violation of Free Press
The Afghanistan Journalists Center has condemned the Taliban’s decision to ban work and cooperation with Afghanistan International Radio and Television, calling it a violation of the country’s media laws, Khaama Press reported today.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Journalists Center said the Taliban’s Media Violations and Complaints Commission’s order for all journalists and experts to cease collaboration with Afghanistan International is “contrary to the essence of free speech” and urged the Taliban to respect the rights of free media.
“The Taliban should respect and adhere to the rights of free media and their audiences based on media law and allow the Commission to address complaints and potential violations by Afghanistan International according to media law,” the statement read.
The Taliban has accused Afghanistan International of “inciting prejudice, character assassination, and distorting news.” However, press freedom advocates have decried the move as part of the Taliban’s broader efforts to control the narrative and restrict independent media in the country.
“These media restrictions highlight a broader pattern of the Taliban’s efforts to control the narrative within Afghanistan,” said one expert. “By shutting down independent media outlets, they restrict the flow of information, ensuring that only government-sanctioned news reaches the public.”
The international community has voiced concerns over the Taliban’s crackdown on media freedom, seen as a significant setback for democracy in Afghanistan.
