The Taliban’s media restrictions have resulted in the closure of at least 12 television stations in Afghanistan over the past year, according to a statement issued by the Afghanistan Journalists Center (AfJC) on Thursday.
While the Taliban have accepted the Afghanistan Media Law, they have issued 21 conflicting directives that severely restrict media outlets, including TV stations, the statement added.
Seven of these directives specifically targeted television operations, including a ban on women working at national TV, prohibiting women from appearing in TV dramas, mandating female journalists to wear masks, and banning the airing of programs from international TV channels, according to AfJC.
“In the last year alone, AfJC records show that around 30 journalists and media workers have been detained, with seven still incarcerated. Alarmingly, of the twelve television stations closed, only one has resumed operations, reflecting the dire state of media freedom in the country,” AfJC said.
The media watchdog also reported that 16 additional directives applied to all media, imposing restrictions such as banning coverage of civil protests, prohibiting criticism of Taliban officials, banning music broadcasts, and enforcing gender segregation in the media.
AfJC has urged the Taliban to uphold the Afghanistan Media Law and ensure a free, responsible media environment. It has also called on the international community to support media freedom in Afghanistan and assist TV stations in adhering to the law’s principles.
