Taliban Halts Begum Radio Broadcasts Over Alleged Rule Violations
TAWAZON – The Taliban’s Ministry of Information and Culture has suspended Begum Radio, accusing the station of violating broadcasting regulations and misusing its license.
In a statement released Monday on X, the ministry claimed that Begum Radio had breached media policies and was providing content to a foreign-based television channel.
The suspension follows the March 8, 2024, launch of Begum TV in Paris by the Begum Organization for Women (BOW). The television channel aims to provide educational opportunities to Afghan schoolgirls and students who have been denied access to education under Taliban rule.
The ministry stated that the decision was made after a review of Begum Radio’s activities, asserting that its operations did not comply with established media policies. The statement added that a final decision on the station’s fate will be determined after a thorough review of relevant documents and evidence. However, the statement did not specify a timeline for this process or whether further legal action could be taken.
Begum Radio’s management has not yet issued a public response to the suspension.
Founded on March 8, 2021, in Kabul, Begum Radio focused on raising awareness about women’s rights and social issues. Since its inception, it has sought to amplify women’s voices and highlight key challenges facing Afghan women.
The suspension comes amid increasing restrictions on independent media under Taliban rule.
Since their return to power in August 2021, the Taliban have imposed strict controls on the press, limiting coverage of sensitive topics, banning female journalists in many cases, and shutting down media outlets that do not conform to their regulations.
The move against Begum Radio has raised further concerns about the diminishing space for independent journalism, particularly for media outlets focused on women’s issues.
With mounting censorship and financial difficulties, many Afghan journalists and media organizations continue to operate under severe pressure.
