Taliban Severely Restrict Press Freedom and Target Female Journalists in Afghanistan
Human Rights Watch has warned in a new report that the Taliban administration is increasingly suppressing press freedom in Afghanistan by imposing severe restrictions on media outlets and journalists, particularly targeting female reporters.
The report, published on Thursday, October 1, reveals that the number of female journalists in Kabul and Herat provinces is extremely low, with many other provinces lacking any women in the media industry altogether.
According to the data presented, female reporters working in remote areas are required to travel with a male guardian while on assignment. They are also prohibited from conducting interviews with Taliban officials.
Human Rights Watch, citing media sources, noted that agents from the Taliban’s Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice regularly visit media offices to ensure that women are wearing hijabs and that male and female workspaces are kept separate.
Male journalists have also reported being banned from interviewing women, a restriction that negatively impacts news coverage and access to sources.
The organization found that journalists within Afghanistan face serious threats. Even minor criticism of the Taliban government can result in punishment, torture, or death. Meanwhile, the remaining media outlets operate under strict censorship.
The report also highlights the situation of journalists who have fled to neighboring countries due to threats but now face the risk of deportation.
Human Rights Watch emphasized that the Taliban’s intelligence agency and the Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice maintain tight surveillance over all media activities, and domestic journalists are often accused of collaborating with foreign-based media outlets.
Based on interviews with 18 journalists inside Afghanistan and 13 in exile, the report paints a bleak picture of the state of free expression under Taliban rule.
