Afghanistan records 150 press freedom violations as crackdown on media deepens

Afghanistan recorded at least 150 violations of press freedom and journalists’ rights between May 2025 and April 2026, according to a new report by the Afghanistan Journalists Center (AFJC), highlighting a worsening environment for independent media, according to Amu TV.

The report, released on the occasion of World Press Freedom Day, warns of an intensifying crackdown on journalism despite a slight decline in the overall number of cases compared to the previous year.

Of the total violations, 127 involved threats against journalists and media workers, while 20 cases involved arrests, with four journalists still in custody.

The AFJC noted that while the number of incidents has decreased, the severity and scope of restrictions have increased, driven largely by policies introduced since the Taliban returned to power in 2021.

The report also documented casualties among media workers. Two employees of the state-run Radio and Television of Afghanistan were killed and another injured during Pakistani airstrikes over the reporting period.

A range of new and expanded restrictions has further constrained media operations. Bans on broadcasting images of living beings have now been extended to 25 of Afghanistan’s 34 provinces, leading to the closure of at least eight local television stations.

In addition, at least 11 media outlets have been shut down, either temporarily or permanently, for failing to comply with directives, while the licenses of at least 10 media support organizations have been revoked.

Access to information has also narrowed significantly. Nearly half of government institutions now restrict video reporting or on-camera interviews, while journalists face growing pressure over editorial content.

According to the report, media outlets have been instructed not to interview individuals without prior approval, and in some cases, even mentioning women’s names or speaking to girls during live broadcasts has led to suspensions.

Restrictions on women journalists have also intensified. In some provinces, broadcasting women’s voices has been banned, and there have been instances of female reporters’ voices being muted during press conferences.

The AFJC also reported cases where journalists were detained over personal appearance, including beard length, reflecting broader enforcement practices.

The organization said the Taliban have increasingly replaced formal media laws with a mix of written and verbal directives, often linked to the “promotion of virtue and prevention of vice” framework, giving authorities broad powers to impose restrictions.

Beyond regulatory pressure, the report warned of a growing effort to shape a single narrative, limiting pluralism and independent voices.

The financial situation of independent media has also deteriorated, particularly in the provinces, where reduced funding and mounting restrictions have forced many outlets to close and journalists to leave the profession or the country.

The Afghanistan Journalists Center called on the Taliban to review their policies, release detained journalists, and ensure a safe environment for media work. It also urged the international community to increase political, financial, and technical support for Afghanistan’s media sector.

Earlier reports by the Afghanistan Journalists Center had showed violations in Afghanistan rose by 24% in 2025, amid tighter restrictions, arrests, and stricter media controls.