Photo: Ahmad Masood, REUTERS
November 21, 2024
Kabul– On the occasion of World Television Day 2024, the Afghanistan Journalists Center (AFJC) highlights alarming developments regarding media freedom in Afghanistan, particularly affecting television stations. In a concerning trend, at least 12 television stations have been closed within this year due to direct orders from Taliban officials or as a result of escalating restrictions.
World Television Day, established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1996, serves to recognize the value of television as a medium for promoting peace, social progress, and cultural exchange. Tragically, this year's observance underscores a stark regression in media freedoms in Afghanistan.
Post-2001, under a republic government, Afghanistan saw a significant expansion of media freedoms enshrined in its constitution. However, following the Taliban's return to power in August 2021, these rights have experienced dramatic curtailment. The Taliban government has recognized the Afghanistan Media Law but has concurrently issued at least 21 directives that contradict established media laws, severely limiting the operational capacity of media outlets, including television stations.
In the last year alone, AFJC records show that around 30 journalists and media workers have been detained, with seven still incarcerated. Alarmingly, of the twelve television stations closed, only one has managed to resume operations, reflecting the dire state of media freedom in the country.
In light of these developments, AFJC calls upon the Taliban authorities to prioritize the importance of free media by rescinding these extralegal directives that have caused widespread media closures and severely hindered journalistic activity.
We urge the Taliban to adhere to the Afghan Media Law and to foster an environment where media can operate freely, responsibly, and without fear of reprisal. Furthermore, AFJC calls on the international community to advocate for media freedom in Afghanistan and to support the efforts of television stations in aligning with the principles enshrined in the Afghanistan Media Law.