UNAMA Expresses Concern Over Detention of Three Afghan Journalists

UNAMA Expresses Concern Over Detention of Three Afghan Journalists
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UNAMA announced it was also alarmed by reports of assaults on journalists and the confiscation of media equipment during recent Taliban inspection and security operations conducted in different parts of Afghanistan.

The United Nations mission called on Taliban authorities to clarify the reasons behind the detentions and ensure that all detained journalists receive access to legal procedures and protections guaranteed under international human rights standards.

UNAMA further urged Taliban officials to respect freedom of expression and allow journalists and media workers to continue their professional activities without intimidation, harassment or fear of retaliation.

The journalists detained in Kabul last week were identified as Omran Danish and Mansour Niazi from TOLOnews, along with Jawid Niazi, head of the local news agency “Paigard.”

Amnesty International had earlier condemned the arrests and warned that increasing restrictions on independent journalism were deepening the climate of fear for Afghan media workers under Taliban rule.

According to Reporters Without Borders, Afghanistan has experienced one of the sharpest declines in global press freedom rankings since the Taliban returned to power in 2021, with many independent outlets shut down or operating under severe restrictions.

Female journalists in particular have faced mounting challenges, including bans on appearing on television without face coverings, restrictions on travel and work, and growing pressure that has forced many women reporters to leave journalism entirely or flee the country.

Media advocacy groups say dozens of journalists have been detained, threatened or assaulted over the past several years, while censorship and pressure from Taliban authorities continue to limit independent reporting across Afghanistan.