Since the Taliban took over, there has been a sharp increase in crimes against journalists in Afghanistan, and the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) reported in its report that at least 200 journalists have had their human rights violated.
On Wednesday, the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists, UNAMA stated that the country’s crackdown on the media is still ongoing and that arbitrary detentions and intimidation remain a part of a media professional’s life in Kabul.
Taking to Twitter, UNAMA said, “Human rights abuses of more than 200 reporters in Afghanistan recorded by UNAMA since August 2021. Record high numbers include arbitrary arrest, ill-treatment, threats and intimidation.”
“Media in #Afghanistan is in peril. Let us all help #ProtectJournalists #EndImpunity,” UNAMA tweeted.
The UNAMA called for the protection of Afghan media at all costs and added that the media is in “peril”.
Additionally, according to Antonio Guterres, the UN Secretary-General, over 70 journalists have passed away this year as a result of their work, according to Khaama Press.
“We must end the common culture of impunity and enable journalists to do their essential work,” Guterres wrote on his Twitter handle.
Meanwhile, according to Tolo News, some journalists in the capital said that they were faced with restrictions while covering security events and gaining access to information.
“Security forces don’t allow us to cover events, and that is a serious problem because the media and people who watch the media want to be aware of events,” said another reporter, Abid Momand.
Since the Taliban seized control of Afghanistan in the middle of August of last year, they have reversed advancements in women’s rights and media freedom, reversing the country’s efforts to promote gender equality and freedom of speech.
The South Asian Media Solidarity Network (SAMSN) said that since the terrorist group seized power, over 45% of journalists have left their jobs. With the United Nations (UN) and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) condemning the arrests and calling on the Taliban to stop intimidating local journalists and stifling freedom of speech through ongoing detentions and threats, the ever-increasing restrictions against the media in Afghanistan have also drawn widespread criticism on a global scale.
In the organization’s first news conference following the takeover, the Taliban made promises on amnesty for government officials, media freedom, and women’s rights.
However, a number of people, including journalists, activists, and former government workers, continue to experience retaliation.
