Afghan Media Group Urges Global Travel Ban on Taliban Officials
Nai, an Afghanistan-based organization advocating for free media, has called on the international community to restrict Taliban representatives from traveling abroad. The appeal comes in observance of the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists.
In its statement, Nai accused the Taliban of being directly responsible for the deaths of more than 170 journalists and media workers in Afghanistan over the past 24 years. The group is also cited as the main force behind the dismantling of the country’s independent media infrastructure.
Despite being on the United Nations blacklist and subject to legal action by several countries, Taliban officials continue to travel freely across Asia, Europe, and Africa, the organization warned.
Nai emphasized that two decades of media development—achieved through the tireless efforts of Afghan journalists, public support, and significant international aid—have collapsed under the Taliban’s repressive rule.
According to the organization, in the past four years alone, the Taliban have shut down all media institutions and have been responsible for over 2,000 cases of physical and psychological violence against journalists, including killings, abductions, and unlawful detentions, over the last 20 years.
In conclusion, Nai urged countries around the world to refrain from issuing visas to Taliban representatives, including their acting ministers and senior officials. The group argues that such travel restrictions would send a strong deterrent message to those who view violence against journalists as acceptable.
