AFJC 2024 Report Reveals Escalating Media Repression and Journalist Violations in Afghanistan

Kokcha News Agency – The Afghanistan Journalists Center (AFJC) has published its annual report for 2024, painting a grim picture of media freedom in Afghanistan under Taliban rule. The report documents 181 incidents of media and journalist rights violations, marking an 8% increase compared to the previous year. These violations include the closure of 18 media outlets and the arrest of 50 journalists, with at least five journalists receiving prison sentences ranging from two to five years.

The report underscores the intensifying repression of media freedom in 2024, driven by the Taliban’s ambiguous media policies and internal divisions within the de facto government. While officials from the Ministry of Information and Culture have publicly supported media freedom and the implementation of the Media Law established under the previous republic, a draft amendment to this law is reportedly nearing completion. However, enforcement remains inconsistent, with the Ministry of Information and Culture increasingly sidelined by hardline factions within the Taliban.

The General Directorate of Intelligence (GDI) and the Ministry of Vice and Virtue have emerged as key players in controlling media operations, utilizing the recently enacted Vice and Virtue Law to expand the powers of the morality police. This law has been used to issue seven new media directives in 2024, up from four the previous year, imposing stringent restrictions on local media. These include bans on filming and videotaping in provinces like Kandahar, Takhar, Baghis, Helmand, and Nangarhar, as well as prohibitions on women contacting media outlets in Khost, live broadcasts of political programs, and the use of specific terminology when reporting on Taliban officials.

Since the Taliban’s return to power on August 15, 2021, the de facto authorities have issued 15 directives governing media operations. These directives include prohibitions on women appearing on state-owned media platforms, coverage of demonstrations, and the broadcasting of music. Additionally, the Taliban has imposed strict dress codes for women in media, banned women from participating in plays and television entertainment programs, and prohibited interviews with regime opponents. International television broadcasts via Afghan media have also been banned, along with the release of films and series. Criticism of Taliban officials is strictly forbidden, and women’s voices in media have been silenced in provinces like Helmand.

Despite these challenges, the AFJC’s Press Freedom Tracker recorded no targeted attacks or injuries to media workers in 2024, a significant improvement over 2023, which saw the death of one journalist and injuries to at least 19 others. However, the overall environment for journalists remains perilous, with 131 threats and 50 arrests documented this year.

Key Findings:

• 181 incidents of media and journalist rights violations in 2024, an 8% increase from 2023.
• 18 media outlets closed and 50 journalists arrested.
• Five journalists sentenced to prison terms ranging from two to five years.
• Seven new media directives issued in 2024, up from four in 2023, imposing restrictions on filming, live broadcasts, and women’s participation in media.
• No targeted attacks or injuries to media workers in 2024, a notable improvement over 2023.

The AFJC’s 2024 report highlights the escalating repression of media freedom in Afghanistan under Taliban rule, with increased violations against journalists and the closure of media outlets. While the absence of targeted attacks marks a positive development, the overall environment remains hostile, with stringent restrictions imposed through the Vice and Virtue Law and other directives. The report underscores the urgent need for international attention and advocacy to protect press freedom and the rights of journalists in Afghanistan.

For more details, visit the AFJC’s official website or access the full report.

Kokcha News Agency
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