Several journalists have expressed concern over the continued detention, intimidation, and imprisonment of journalists in Afghanistan, saying that the Taliban have turned the country into one of the worst places in the world for media activity. Citing the imposition of severe bans and restrictions on the press, the ongoing detention of journalists, and pressure on media organizations, they see these as signs of the complete closure of the media space in the country. These journalists also warn that if exiled media outlets are not supported, Afghanistan’s voice will fall silent on the global stage.
Several journalists still working—either secretly or officially—inside Afghanistan have raised alarm over the increasing arrests and mounting restrictions imposed by the Taliban. They say the group is seeking to expand censorship and intensify the suppression of freedom of expression and media activity. According to these journalists, although the Taliban have already forced domestic media to follow their repressive policies, they still treat them with suspicion, creating an atmosphere of mistrust and constant threat over the media landscape.
Sabira (pseudonym), a journalist, voiced her concern, saying that the Taliban’s recent arrests once again demonstrated that freedom of expression and press activity in Afghanistan face serious threats, and journalists are increasingly under pressure and at risk. She said this situation makes it difficult to speak the truth and reflect the realities of society, leading to further silencing of the people’s voice. She stressed that these arrests not only threaten press freedom but also sharply expand the climate of fear and self-censorship among journalists and human rights activists.
“We need the voice of truth to reflect the voice of the people,” Sabira noted. “But such actions block the path of free information and make the future of the media in the country uncertain.” She expressed concern that if the current situation continues, journalists and media outlets—due to severe censorship and fear of arrest and torture—will be forced into total silence.
Marwa (pseudonym), another journalist who described the state of news and media work in Afghanistan as critical, said that the difficulty of accessing information, insecurity while on assignment, and constant psychological pressure have created an environment where each day is a new trial for a journalist. “Every time I step into the field for reporting, I feel the shadow of arrest and restrictions,” she said. “The fear of detention has repeatedly made me consider leaving this profession—not only for my safety but also for the peace and comfort of my family. Yet my sense of responsibility and commitment to amplifying the people’s voice still keeps me here.”
This young journalist said her greatest current concern is ensuring personal safety and defending freedom of expression. Marwa emphasized that while her professional future and economic challenges weigh heavily on her mind, security remains like a high wall before her, shaping all her decisions and actions.
Elham (pseudonym), a journalist who views the growing restrictions and arrests as a serious barrier to truth and freedom of expression, added: “The arrest and intimidation of journalists, and the Taliban’s increasing restrictions, are clear signs of human rights violations and crimes that, over the past four years, have imposed a heavy layer of censorship on the media.” She noted that journalists—especially women—are now in the most difficult circumstances imaginable, with the lack of job opportunities and constant fear of arrest severely impacting their personal and professional lives.
These concerns come as the Taliban recently arrested the editor-in-chief and two reporters of Nasim local radio in Daikundi Province. The group confiscated the station’s equipment and halted its broadcasts in Daikundi and Bamiyan provinces.
The Afghanistan Journalists Center (AFJC) described the arrest of Nasim Radio staff and the suspension of its operations as a clear act aimed at further suppressing and restricting the media by the Taliban. The Center called on the Taliban to end their threats and restrictions against the press and to allow journalists to exercise their fundamental rights to report events and amplify the people’s voices without fear of arrest or censorship.
In its annual report, AFJC also noted the rising restrictions on journalists, stating that at least 172 violations of media rights were recorded last year. These included 122 cases of threats and at least 50 arrests of journalists and media workers.
Reporters Without Borders, in a statement, also condemned the arbitrary detention of journalists and media staff, calling for their immediate release and an end to Taliban pressure on the media.
Since taking control of Afghanistan, the Taliban have imposed sweeping restrictions on the press. Through strict regulations, they aim to gain full control over media outlets, prevent the genuine voices of the people from being heard, and suppress freedom of expression.
You can read the Persian version of this report here:
