The state of press freedom in Afghanistan has worsened drastically since the Taliban seized control. Journalists are now dealing with growing threats, harsh censorship, and acts of violence.
A recent report by the Afghanistan Journalists Center (AFJC) paints a grim picture. Violations against media workers have jumped by 24 percent under the Taliban regime. The figures highlight the rising danger to free media.
Since March 2024, there have been 181 violations recorded against journalists. Out of these, 131 involved threats. The remaining 50 cases led to arrests. In over 22 incidents, media outlets were either suspended or completely shut down.
Currently, 10 journalists are behind bars. Four of them have already been sentenced to prison terms ranging from two to three years. These numbers mark a sharp rise in media suppression.
In 2023 alone, the AFJC had documented 139 cases related to attacks on media freedom in Afghanistan. That year saw 80 threats and 59 arrests targeting journalists and media workers.
Nearly four years have passed since the Taliban took control. But press freedom in Afghanistan has steadily declined. Offices of media organizations have been raided. Journalists have been detained. Independent media outlets are being forced to shut their doors.
Amnesty International had earlier called on the Taliban to stop their clampdown on free speech. They demanded an end to the mistreatment of journalists. However, the situation has only grown worse.
The Taliban’s strict policies continue to strangle journalism in Afghanistan. Newsrooms face constant pressure. Reporters live in fear. Censorship has become the norm.
This relentless crackdown on press freedom in Afghanistan is pushing independent journalism toward collapse. The voice of dissent is being silenced. Free media is on the verge of extinction.
The state of media liberty in Afghanistan is now at a breaking point. The international community has repeatedly raised concerns. But the Taliban remain unmoved.
Unless urgent steps are taken, press freedom in Afghanistan will continue to suffer. The current situation has already written a dark chapter in the history of Afghan journalism.
