Afghanistan: NUJ condemns targeting of journalists
Journalists and media workers face ongoing restrictions on their reporting.
The NUJ has joined the International Federation of Journalists in calling for an end to the arbitrary detention of journalists in the country.
Since the Taliban seized control in August 2021, media workers have faced attack and severe restrictions on reporting.
Last month, the Taliban detained journalist Mirza Hassani after finding news reports posted on his social media. Accused of working for the anti-Taliban militant group National Resistance Front, reports indicate he has been subject to torture in detention.
In the same month, journalist Roman Karimi was detained for several hours and assaulted despite committing no crime. He was eventually released alongside his driver but prohibited from undertaking his work reporting on any protests.
The NUJ has repeatedly called for an end to harassment and abuse of journalists in Afghanistan, who repeatedly have their rights breached. A decree issued by the Taliban in May enforced new measures requiring all women journalists on TV to cover their hair and faces.
The IFJ said:
“The Taliban must cease its arbitrary arrest and detainment of Afghan journalists and media workers. The escalating number of media rights violations in Afghanistan continue to restrict freedom of the press and freedom of expression. The IFJ urges the Taliban authorities to investigate the detainment of Roman Karimi and his driver, and calls for the immediate release of Mirza Hassani.”