- The Taliban issued a warning to journalists and experts, prohibiting them from collaborating with Afghanistan International TV.
- The London-based station is accused of professional violations and campaigning against the ruling system.
- Despite the threats, the director of Afghanistan International TV remains defiant, stating that the station will continue its operations.
The Taliban’s recent warning to journalists and experts against collaborating with Afghanistan International TV highlights the ongoing struggle for press freedom in Afghanistan.
Taliban Issues Warning Against Cooperation with Afghanistan International TV
In an unprecedented move, the Taliban has warned journalists and experts against working with Afghanistan International TV. This London-based station, accessible through satellite, cable, and social media, is accused of committing professional violations and violating moral and legal boundaries. The Media Violations Commission, under the Taliban-controlled Ministry of Information and Culture, has called for all journalists and experts in Afghanistan to cease their collaboration with the station.
Allegations and Repercussions
The deputy minister for broadcasting, Zia ul Haq Haqmal, stated that individuals would be committing a crime if they cooperated with the station. He cited ten reasons to avoid working with Afghanistan International TV, including its alleged distortion or falsification of information and campaigning against the ruling system. However, the director of Afghanistan International TV, Harun Najafizada, remains defiant, stating that the commission’s decision would not affect the channel as it had no employees or freelancers in the country.
Press Freedom in Afghanistan
Afghanistan ranks poorly in terms of press freedom, with the latest index from Reporters without Borders ranking the country 178 out of 180. This is a significant drop from its ranking of 152 last year. The organization reported that three radio reporters were arrested in April for broadcasting music and receiving calls from female listeners during shows. Furthermore, the Taliban suspended two TV stations last month for failing to “consider national and Islamic values.”
Conclusion
The ongoing struggle for press freedom in Afghanistan continues to be a significant concern. The recent warning from the Taliban against cooperation with Afghanistan International TV is a clear indication of the challenges faced by journalists and media outlets in the country. Despite these threats, the defiant stance of the station’s director offers a glimmer of hope for the future of independent journalism in Afghanistan.
