The Taliban has introduced new media restrictions in Afghanistan, banning the live airing of political programs and current affairs shows on local channels, according to the media watchdog the Afghanistan Journalists Center (AfJC).
The new directive consists of eight articles and has been issued by the Ministry of Information and Culture, the AfJC’s statement said on Monday.
Criticism of the Islamic Emirate’s laws and officials is prohibited based on the new directive.
Under these new rules, media outlets are barred from interviewing individuals not approved by the Taliban regime.
“Experts must be invited according to the new list; inviting individuals not on the list is prohibited,” one of the articles of the directive states.
According to the new rules, each morning, the list of political program topics and guests must be shared with the broadcasting oversight authority, and upon their approval, the programs can proceed.
According to Article 6 of the directive, the head of the media, along with its administration, program host, and editor, must remove any weaknesses, sensitive topics, and criticisms directed at the Islamic Emirate and its officials from the recorded program before it is aired.
Should any of the above points be violated, the media head, publishing manager, program host, editor, and political expert (guest) will be considered in violation and will face consequences according to the new regulations, according to Article 7 of the directive states.
The AfJC has expressed concern over the new restrictions, stating that their implementation represents a new effort to suppress free media in the country.
The media watchdog has stated that the directive explicitly prohibits challenging the laws and policies of the Taliban regime, as well as criticizing without providing evidence.
Since seizing power in August 2021, at least 21 media directives have been issued, imposing extensive restrictions on media outlets and journalists, the statement added.
The Afghanistan Journalists Center has urged the Taliban to refrain from imposing new restrictions on the media and to adhere to the country’s media laws.
