Kabul, May 2, 2025 — On the occasion of World Press Freedom Day 2025, the Afghanistan Journalists Center (AFJC) expresses deep concern over the ongoing decline of media freedom in Afghanistan. The deteriorating environment, characterized by increased government restrictions, widespread journalist arrests, and suppression of independent media outlets, continues to threaten the fundamental rights of journalists and the essential role of a free press in fostering accountability and democratic governance.
AFJC’s findings reveal a sharp decline in press freedoms since May 2024, with violations surpassing those documented in the previous year. Over the past twelve months, authorities have enacted seven new media directives—adding to sixteen existing measures—that restrict journalistic activities. These directives include prohibitions on publishing images of living persons, bans on cooperation with exile media, restrictions on live political and economic debates, limitations on criticism of de facto authorities’ policies, and measures to label fallen officials as “martyrs.” Moreover, there are plans to shut down several prominent women-led radio stations, further undermining gender equality and media diversity.
Since the Taliban’s return to power in August 2021, the General Directorate of Intelligence (GDI) and the Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice have intensified their control over the media sector. Recent findings indicate a significant expansion of their regulatory authority, including direct interventions, closure of outlets, threats, and arrests of journalists. This trend signals a troubling shift toward heightened censorship and authoritarian oversight of independent journalism.
AFJC’s data documents at least 215 media violations since May 2024, representing a 58% increase compared to the previous year. These include:
- 175 threats and acts of intimidation against journalists
- 40 arrests, with ten journalists currently detained
- Several journalists sentenced to prison terms ranging from seven months to three years
- The temporary closure of at least nine radio and television stations, with many media outlets transitioning to radio in response to mounting pressures
The restrictive environment, compounded by dwindling international aid, has severely impacted media operations and financial viability. Many outlets face closures, layoffs, and decreased advertising revenue. Women journalists are disproportionately affected; numerous have been forced to work remotely, face layoffs, or confront outright bans. Authorities in regions such as Badakhshan have announced plans to permanently shut down women’s radio stations, undermining women’s rights and representation.
AFJC warns that these ongoing restrictions threaten the psychological well-being, social cohesion, and security of the Afghan population. A free and independent press is a cornerstone of human rights, necessary for transparency, accountability, and societal progress. AFJC urges the de facto authorities to immediately rescind restrictive directives, halt arbitrary arrests, and enable journalists to operate without fear of censorship or harassment.