World Press Freedom Day; Do Media Have Freedom Under Taliban Rule?
Tawazon – May 3 is marked globally as World Press Freedom Day. This year, it comes at a time when media in Afghanistan are facing serious restrictions.
Since the Taliban returned to power, they have imposed strict rules and limitations on local media. Journalists say they are no longer able to work freely or follow basic principles of journalism.
Some reporters inside Afghanistan cofirm that there is no freedom of expression, and they face heavy pressure in their daily work.
A female journalist in Kabul, using the name Bahar for safety, says there is a climate of fear. She explains that she only write what her editors allow and cannot add anything beyond that.
“There is fear everywhere. I am even afraid to send messages to my relatives because they might be monitored. I have so much to say,but my voice is silenced”, she said.
Journalists say that publishing anything against Taliban views can lead to serious consequences, including arrest.
A local radio manager, Rahmatullah (a pseudonym), shared his experience of being detained for broadcasting a religious poem that that included music. He was held for two days and lost a month’s salary.
“After that, I never published anything without their permission,” he said.
He added that the pressure has become so intense that he is thinking about leaving the country, but has no way to do so.
Women journalists face even greater challenges. Restrictions have affected not only their work but also their voices and presence in the media.
Samira, who works with an international radio station in Kabul says even educational and health programs are affectd. Women are no longer allowed to act or speak in many broadcasts.
“We used to share important messages about women’s health, but now we cannot even broadcast women’s voices,” she said.
She added that many women who depended on media work have now lost their income.
The restrictions are not limited to journalists.Ordinary citizens also feel unsafe. Some people say they have been questioned or summoned by authorities for social media posts.
A resident of Herat said:“I am not a journalist, but I am still afraid. Even gathering with friends can raise suspicion. This is not a normal life”.
Over the past nearly five years, growing restrictions on freedom of expresion have forced many people in Afghanistan to be cautious about what they say or write.
As World Press Freedom Day is observed worldwide, Afghanistan remains a place where media freedom is heavily restricted and voices are largely silenced.