Rwadari: Access to Information in Afghanistan Remains Alarming Under Taliban Rule
Human rights organization Rwadari has expressed serious concerns over access to information in Afghanistan on World Press Freedom Day, stating that media outlets continue to operate under severe pressure from the Taliban administration. The organization notes that since the Taliban’s return to power in 2021, hundreds of media outlets have ceased operations, with many journalists either dismissed or forced to abandon their profession.
On Sunday, May 3, Rwadari posted a message on X reporting that dozens of journalists have been detained, threatened, and tortured during this period, with some losing their lives. According to the organization, such treatment has created an extremely restricted and fearful working environment for the media.
The human rights body emphasized that in the absence of an effective legal framework to protect freedom of expression, the Taliban administration continues to impose extensive control and harsh restrictions on media activities. Rwadari believes that the lack of independent legal safeguards has left journalists vulnerable to security pressures and arbitrary actions.
Meanwhile, the Afghanistan Journalists Center reported that in the past year alone, 150 violations of journalists’ and media rights have been recorded at the hands of the Taliban administration. This data indicates that these restrictions have not diminished but have become a sustained practice within the current power structure, raising concerns over the future of freedom of expression and citizens’ right to access information.
