Taliban Forces Shut Down Tamadon TV Broadcast in Kabul

Tamadon TV announced that Taliban administration forces have raided the network’s headquarters in Kabul and halted its broadcasts. According to network officials, the action coincided with the arrival of Tasua and Ashura, and the broadcast suspension continues. On Tuesday, the channel issued a statement warning that Taliban forces had entered the main office building and that broadcasts might be cut off, which occurred a few hours later. A Tamadon TV official confirmed to the media that the broadcast remained suspended but declined to provide further details. The Taliban administration has not responded to the incident.

Tamadon TV has urged citizens to follow the event closely and remain vigilant regarding upcoming developments. The network is one of Afghanistan’s first private TV channels with a religious focus, founded by Asif Mohseni, the former leader of the Islamic Movement Party.

Previously, in Jawzā 1403 (May-June 2024), the Taliban’s Ministry of Justice announced the suspension of Tamadon TV’s operations, citing the station’s alleged affiliation with the Islamic Movement Party and its use of what it described as ‘disputed’ government land. The Ministry stated that media affiliated with political parties are not permitted to operate.

In response to that decision, the Afghanistan Journalists Center described the Ministry of Justice’s action as a “political decision” and inconsistent with media laws. This latest broadcast suspension comes amid an increase in restrictions on media activities over the past five years, during which several private media outlets have been forced to close or halt operations due to mounting pressures.