Afghanistan Media Support Organization Condemns Taliban Insulting Journalists in Nangarhar

The Afghanistan Media Support Organization (AMSO) has reported that a Taliban official in Nangarhar province insulted journalists and subjected them to inappropriate language. This incident occurred during the traditional ‘Gul-Narenj’ poetry event, a cultural program held annually with poets and media representatives in attendance.

According to a statement released on Tuesday, 15th of Sawr, the head of the songs department at Nangarhar’s Department of Information and Culture clashed with journalists while setting up audio equipment and used insulting language from the stage in front of the attendees.

AMSO described this behavior as unprofessional and contrary to freedom of expression, emphasizing that insulting journalists is essentially a disrespect to the public’s right to access information. The organization warned that such actions could further restrict media work and create a threatening environment for journalists.

The statement also supported the decision of several journalists who, in response to the incident, refrained from covering the event. AMSO called this a civil and professional reaction and urged Taliban officials to respect the dignity and work immunity of journalists.