Source: Lapis
August 28, 2026
Kabul- The Afghanistan Journalists Center (AFJC) condemns the closure of Lapis, an affiliate of the Moby media group, by Taliban de facto intelligence authorities in Kabul, and calls for its immediate reversal. The shutdown marks a troubling escalation in the repression of entities that support independent media activities in Afghanistan.
AFJC sources in Kabul, who requested anonymity for safety reasons,said personnel from the Taliban’s General Directorate of Intelligence (GDI) raided Lapis’ office on 12th Street in the Wazir Akbar Khan area of Kabul on August 26. Staff were ordered to leave the premises, and equipment — including computers and data storage devices — was confiscated without prior notice or explanation. GDI officials said the case would be forwarded to judicial authorities following an investigation into content that allegedly contravenes local values and promotes Western narratives.
Lapis is an affiliate of the Moby Group, under which several media outlets operate, including TOLO TV, TOLOnews, Lemar TV, and Arman and Arakozia radio stations. According to information provided by several media outlets, Lapis plays a significant role in the media sector by producing and placing advertisements — particularly public health and educational advertisements — with local media, training journalists, and building staff capacity.
The GDI-affiliated platform Hindukush claimed Lapis was shut down for publishing “obscene and immoral content,” including songs, semi-naked film scenes, and Western-style visual materials. Such accusations are emblematic of efforts to suppress media support activities under the guise of moral or ideological concerns.
The arbitrary confiscation of equipment and threat of judicial action raise serious concerns about due process and the protection of organizations engaged in lawful media-related work. Such measures threaten the operational capacity of organizations dedicated to media development and undermine efforts to promote independent journalism and freedom of expression.
AFJC calls on the de facto authorities to immediately reverse the closure, return all confiscated equipment, and allow Lapis staff to resume work without interference or fear of reprisal.