AMSO Warns of Growing Taliban Crackdown on Journalists and Media
Tawazon – The Afghanistan Media Support Organization (AMSO) has raised serious concerns over the escalating restrictions imposed on journalists and media outlets across the country, warning that the Taliban’s latest actions are a direct assault on press freedom and the right to information.
In a statement released recently, AMSO said the situation has worsened significantly in recent days, with credible reports highlighting widespread bans and shutdowns:
– In Paktia, former Taliban commander Mohammad Omar Mokhles admitted that the group had planned to “target and eliminate” journalists, though some managed to flee the country.
– In Balkh, the local Balkh TV station has been suspended, airing only a static image with no sound.
– In Panjshir, all visual media activities have reportedly been banned.
– In Kandahar, the Taliban have prohibited YouTubers and video content producers from operating.
AMSO described the restrictions as a dangerous attempt to impose a nationwide visual media blackout, shrinking the already limited space for independent journalism.
The organization warned that these actions not only violatethe freedom of expression, but also pose irreversible harm to Afghanistan’s media community and citizens’ access to factual, unbiased information.
AMSO Called on global institutions and human rights bodies to take a firm stance against these restrictions, provide practical and immediate assistance to Afghan journalists and media outlets, exert pressure on the current ruler of Afghanistan to end their suppression of freedom expression and their threats against journalists.
The media and journalists are the voice of the Afghan people,” AMSO stated. “Silencing them means silencing the truth, and the people’s right to awareness.”
This warning comes amid a worsening environment for journalists in Afghanistan, where freedom of speech continues to shrink under Taliban rule.
