20% Increase in Media Freedom Violations in Afghanistan in 1404
The Afghanistan Journalists Center has announced, on the occasion of 27th Hoot, National Journalists’ Day, that at least 207 incidents of media freedom violations and violence against journalists were recorded in the country in the year 1404 of the Persian calendar (2025-2026). This figure represents more than a 20% increase compared to the previous year. According to the report, two journalists were killed and another was injured as a result of these incidents.
Details from the report indicate that among the recorded events, 183 were threats against journalists and media activists, including 21 cases of arrests. In contrast, in 1403, a total of 172 media freedom violations were registered, which included 122 threats and 50 arrests of journalists.
The Afghanistan Journalists Center also reported an expansion of restrictions on media activities, stating that the ban on publishing images of living creatures and the prohibition of video interviews with Taliban officials have expanded from seven provinces to eighteen. Due to these restrictions, at least 21 local television stations have either ceased operations or been forced to switch to radio broadcasting.
According to the report, in 1404, eight media outlets and journalistic organizations were forced to halt their activities due to alleged non-compliance with the Taliban administration’s media policy, and the licenses of at least ten other media organizations were revoked. These measures have raised widespread concerns about the sustainability of independent media operations in the country.
The Afghanistan Journalists Center also expressed concern over the broadcast of forced confessions by journalists in prison and the prevention of female journalists’ attendance at press conferences and meetings with senior Taliban officials. It described these instances as examples of policies marked by fear, repression, and severe gender discrimination. The organization believes that the continuation of such developments seriously endangers social health and the future of society.
More than four and a half years after the Taliban’s return to power, restrictions on freedom of expression and media activities have significantly increased. Media support organizations emphasize that without securing journalists’ fundamental rights and creating a safe and fear-free environment, professional and responsible media work cannot be effectively conducted in the country.
