Despite facing numerous restrictions and challenges, media outlets and journalists in Afghanistan, the Taliban have this time held a seminar titled “Enhancing the Intellectual, Ideological and Professional Capacity of Journalists” in Samangan.
The Taliban-controlled Bakhtar News Agency reported on Tuesday, September 22, that the one-day seminar was held with the participation of officials from the Taliban’s Ministry of Information and Culture, local officials of the group, professors, cultural figures and representatives of media outlets.
Muhajir Farahi, Deputy Minister for Publications at the Taliban’s Ministry of Information and Culture, said at the gathering that media outlets play an important role under the current circumstances and should uphold honesty, accountability and the communication of truth in their activities.
Previously, the Taliban had also announced the organization of a one-day training seminar for “enhancing the intellectual, ideological and professional capacity” of journalists in Sheberghan, the capital of Jawzjan Province, and Faryab.
The seminars are being held as journalists and media outlets in Afghanistan continue to face restrictions, a lack of freedom of expression, repression, and the risk of detention by the Taliban.
International organizations defending media freedom have also repeatedly expressed concern in recent years over increasing pressure and restrictions on journalists in Afghanistan.
