Amnesty Condemns Shutdown of Media Support Organizations in Afghanistan
Amnesty International says cancellation of independent media support organizations’ licenses is part of an ongoing campaign to suppress and eliminate press freedom in Afghanistan.
The Taliban’s Information and Culture Ministry announced Monday it was revoking licenses of all media support organizations except three, claiming these groups were ineffective.
Amnesty International warned Tuesday the shutdown eliminates remaining avenues for professional support and safety for independent journalists and media in Afghanistan’s severely repressive environment.
The organization urged the Taliban to immediately reverse this decision and ensure these vital media support organizations can continue their legitimate work freely.
Since returning to power in August 2021, the Taliban have imposed severe restrictions on media freedom, including banning all female journalists from working. Male journalists face constant intimidation, arbitrary arrests, and detention when covering sensitive topics, creating an atmosphere of fear that has devastated Afghanistan’s once-vibrant independent media landscape.
Many media support organizations providing training, advocacy, and protection for journalists had already faced intimidation, restrictions, and financial difficulties before this shutdown decision was announced.
The Afghanistan Journalists Center reports that most organizations whose licenses were revoked had operated legally since receiving permits from the previous Afghanistan government. These groups provided critical professional support and safety resources for journalists working under extremely dangerous conditions in one of world’s most hostile environments for press freedom.
This crackdown further isolates Afghan journalists who already face unprecedented challenges, including complete exclusion of women from the profession and severe content restrictions.
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