Journalist Sayed Rashed Kashifi Detained by GDI in Kabul

April 18, 2025

Kabul – The Afghanistan Journalists Center (AFJC) expresses grave concern over the recent detention of freelance journalist Sayed Rashed Kashifi by the de facto General Directorate of Intelligence (GDI) in Kabul. AFJC calls on the de facto authorities to release Kashefi and all other journalists who have been detained or prosecuted due to their journalistic work, without delay and unconditionally.

A journalist in Kabul, who wished to remain anonymous due to safety concerns, stated that Sayed Rashed Kashefi was detained on April 13 and is currently under investigation on suspicion of collaborating with exile media outlets. It has been reported that on March 15, 2025, the GDI confiscated Kashefi's journalism equipment, including a voice recorder, camera, and mobile phone. The source further indicated that during this period, authorities repeatedly asked Kashefi to visit the GDI to retrieve his belongings, raising concerns that he might be detained under the pretext of retrieving his equipment.

Another journalist familiar with the case confirmed that Kashifi is under investigation for alleged collaboration with exile media entities.

AFJC emphasizes that such investigations and detentions, especially when related to journalistic activities, violate the rights enshrined in Afghanistan’s media law and international standards for press freedom.

AFJC urges the de facto authorities to respect journalists’ rights to perform their professional duties as guaranteed by the Afghanistan Media Law, which the de facto Ministry of Information and Culture has reportedly continued to uphold. Journalists must be supported and protected, not subjected to restrictions, threats, or arbitrary detention.

According to the AFJC Afghanistan Press Freedom Tracker, at least nine other journalists and media employees are currently detained or serving prison sentences, with sentences ranging from seven months to three years. These ongoing arrests highlight the urgent need to uphold press freedom and ensure the safety of journalists across the country.