Bennett Urges Immediate Release of Journalists, Calls for Protection of Press Freedom in Afghanistan
Tawazon – Richard Bennett, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan has called for the urgent protection of journalists in Afghanistan, warning of increasing restrictions on press freedom under the Taliban.
Ahead of World Press Freedom Day, he urged the de facto authorities in Afghanistan to immediately and unconditionally release all detained journalists and to ensure that media workers can operate freely and work without fear of reprisal, harassment, or arrest.
Bennett said in a report released on Friday, May 1, that press freedom in Afghanistan has sharply deteriorated since the Taliban returned to power. He noted that journalists are now working in a highly restrictive and hostile environment marked by censorship, intrusive surveillance and legal restrictions, including rules linked to the so-called “law on the promotion of virtue and prevention of vice.”
He warned that fear and pressure have led to widespread self-censorship among journalists and among sources who speak to the media. According to him, people who communicate with journalists have reportedly faced threats, monitoring and detention.
Bennett also said reporting on sensitive issues, especially women’s rights, has become increasingly dangerous, with journalists facing intimidation and accusations of collaborating with foreign-based media outlets.
Citing data from the Afghanistan Journalists Centre (AFJC), he said at least 34 journalists were detained in 2025.
Bennett added that women journalists faces additional challenges, including restrictions, mandatory dress codes and workplace discrimination.
He further warned that broader restrictions on freedom of expression, civil society and access to information are shrinking civic space in the country. He said criticism of authorities is increasingly criminalized under vague legal provisions, creating a climate of fear.
Despite these challenges, he praised Afghan journalists for continuing to report under extremely difficult conditions, including those working from exile.
He also expressed concern about reduced international funding for independent media, saying it is limiting journalists’ ability to work safely and report on human rights issues.
Bennett called on the international community to support Afghan media through funding, protection mechanisms and political backing for press freedom.
“On this World Press Freedom Day, the international community must stand in solidarity with Afghan journalists. A free and independent press is not only a cornerstone of human rights, it is indispensable for Afghanistan’s future,” he stressed.
He concluded that a free press is essential for human rights and the future of Afghanistan.