July 29, 2024
Kandahar - Mohammad Ibrahim Mohtaj, a local journalist in southern Kandahar province, has been arrested by the Virtue and Vice Department. The Afghanistan Jouranlists Center expresses serious concern over the arbitrary detention of Mohtaj and demands his immediate and unconditional release.
A source within the Taliban's local administration in Kandahar told AFJC that Mohammad Ibrahim Mohtaj, a reporter for the local radio station ‘Millat Zagh’ (Voice of the Nation), had "disappeared," and that the Taliban security institution has not acknowledged the arrest of the journalist.
However, a local reporter in Kandahar, who spoke to AFJC under conditions of anonymity due to fear of reprisal from Taliban officials, reported that Mohtaj was arrested by employees of the Kandahar Provincial Virtue and Vice Department around 4 PM on Saturday, July 27, after he left his office for home. The journalist was unable to clarify the reasons behind Mohtaj’s arrest.
Mohammad Ibrahim Mohtaj has been working as a reporter and presenter for Millat Zagh radio station for over a year.
AFJC expresses deep concern regarding the arrest of Mohammad Ibrahim Mohtaj and has calls on the Taliban authorities in Kandahar province to release the journalist as soon as possible and unconditionally.
This marks at least the third arrest of a local journalist in Kandahar this month, including freelance journalist Mohammadyar Majrooh, who was arrested by the provincial department of the General Directorate of Intelligence (GDI) on July 12 and remains in custody.
AFJC strongly urges the Taliban authorities in Kandahar province to release Mohammad Ibrahim Mohtaj without further delay and without conditions. Additionally, we call upon the local Taliban administration to handle any complaints from journalists or media outlets through the Media Complaints and Violations Commission and take action in accordance with the Afghanistan Media Law.