Afghanistan: journalist Stefanie Glinksi banned from entering the country
Taliban officials harassed Glinski and targeted her following critical reports of the regime.
The National Union of Journalists has joined the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) in condemning the harassment and intimidation of Stefanie Glinski, denied entry into the country for her reporting.
Glinski spent four years reporting for news outlets including The Guardian but left Kabul in July, after becoming concerned for her safety when Taliban officials opened an investigation into her. Her article titled ‘Taliban wage war over coal in northern Afghanistan’ prompted intimidating messages, demands to disclose sources and accusations of false reporting. Amid growing restrictions on press freedom, the Taliban also threatened to cancel all visas for foreign journalists where content was deemed unsubstantiated by officials.
Both local and foreign journalists have been targeted by the Taliban with women journalists reporting extra restrictions they face, alongside abuse and harassment. The NUJ has condemned the ongoing media crackdown and targeting of journalists under the regime.
NUJ members can donate to an IFJ solidarity fund and help Afghan journalists.
The IFJ said:
“The continuing harassment and intimidation of both local and foreign journalists and media workers in Afghanistan is a grave violation of press freedom. The Taliban must allow all journalists to work independently without fear of reprisal. The IFJ condemns the targeting of Stefanie Glinski for her critical reporting and demands the Taliban cease its persecution of Afghanistan’s media."