Afghanistan Journalists Center: Taliban shut down 7 media outlets in first half of 2024

The Afghanistan Journalists Center (AFJC) reported that seven media outlets have been shut down in the first half of 2024 under Taliban orders. The center also documented 89 violations against journalists and media, including 60 threats and 29 detentions.

On Thursday, July 18th, the Afghanistan Journalists Center highlighted the situation of media and journalists during the first half of 2024. It reported increased pressure and censorship of independent media content by the Taliban.

The findings of the Afghanistan Journalists Center indicate that seven media outlets were closed under Taliban orders during this period. According to the report, “Two television channels in Kabul by the Taliban Ministry of Justice, two radios by the Taliban municipality in Ghazni, one radio in Laghman, and one radio in Parwan and Khost have been shut down.”

The center mentioned that some of these media outlets remain closed due to the Taliban intelligence not renewing their licenses, leading to their suspension.

The Afghan Journalists Center stated that three local radios were temporarily closed, while two television channels and two radios remain shut without permission to reopen.

The report also highlighted that among detained journalists, one reporter arrested during an operation in Ghazni on April 7, 2024 is still imprisoned.

The center noted that Taliban restrictions on media are more stringent in southern and eastern provinces, with media outlets threatened for broadcasting programs with female voices or musical backgrounds.

According to excerpts from the report, “Local journalists can only collaborate with national media by obtaining approval from local authorities. This pressure extends to the publication of any content on social networks and personal accounts of journalists.”

The Center mentioned that the Taliban prohibit cooperation with active media outlets in exile while restricting access to information.

The center has urged the Taliban to refrain from imposing unjustified and illegal demands on journalists and media and to create an environment where the media can operate without fear.

Meanwhile, the situation facing journalists and media under Taliban rule remains challenging and requires continued international attention and advocacy to uphold freedom of expression and press freedoms in Afghanistan.

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