The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) published a report on Tuesday highlighting the worsening condition of press freedom in Afghanistan, with journalists encountering increasing limitations, arbitrary detentions, and a widespread atmosphere of fear and self-censorship, since the Taliban seized power in August 2021.
Under Taliban control, Afghan journalists face numerous dangers, such as threats, torture and intimidation, as well as arbitrary arrests without proper legal proceedings. From August 2021 to September 2024, UNAMA recorded 336 infractions against journalists and media personnel, with 130 cases involving torture and mistreatment. These measures underscore the Taliban’s strict control of information, which coerces journalists to work under the constant fear of retaliation.
Censorship is a vital tool in enforcing this oppression. The Taliban have released unclear orders that prohibit material they believe goes against their version of Islam or Afghan traditions. Paired with financial challenges, these measures have caused more than 40 percent of media establishments to shut down since the Taliban regained control. The journalists who are left must adhere to strict editorial restrictions and seek approval from Taliban officials before publication, leading to widespread self-censorship.
Female journalists are facing a particularly dire situation. Women under the Taliban are subjected to extra constraints such as clothing mandates, restricted movement, and being banned from appearing in broadcasts. Many women have been compelled to leave their profession entirely due to the obligation of being accompanied by a male guardian (mahram) when traveling and following strict public behavior guidelines. These actions not only infringe upon the rights of women but also diminish the variety of viewpoints in Afghan media, stifling critical perspectives and topics that impact women.
Even though some Afghan media outlets have moved overseas to keep operating, reporters in the country still encounter intimidation from the Taliban. The regime’s dedication to silencing opposing viewpoints is evident in its attempts to disrupt satellite frequencies and take control of online spaces.
Specific Afghan media organizations have relocated to other countries to continue their operations but continue to face persistent intimidation from the Taliban. The regime’s efforts to disrupt satellite signals and seize control of media platforms underscore their determination to suppress dissenting voices, even beyond Afghanistan’s borders. Despite these challenges, exiled media remain essential for Afghan citizens, providing uncensored news and countering the Taliban’s propaganda narrative.
The Taliban’s censorship and intimidation violate Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which guarantees the right to free expression. As a signatory to the ICCPR, Afghanistan’s actions highlight a broader erosion of legal norms that endangers its citizens and undermines international efforts to uphold justice and human rights.
