Center for Journalists: Secrecy and Suppression Replace Free Information in Afghanistan
On World Access to Information Day, the Center for Journalists has condemned the Taliban’s 22 directives that severely restrict freedom of expression and media independence, stating that secrecy and suppression have replaced the free flow of information in Afghanistan.
Kokcha News Agency– The Center for Journalists has released a statement on World Access to Information Day, highlighting the Taliban’s extensive efforts to stifle freedom of expression and media independence in Afghanistan. The statement, issued on Sunday, October 6, asserts that “in Afghanistan, secrecy and suppression have replaced freedom of information.”
The Center for Journalists noted that media outlets are barred from covering protests, demonstrations, and political opposition. Journalists and media analysts are routinely arrested, tortured, and imprisoned under the pretext of opposing the Taliban regime.
The Taliban are attempting to ensure positive coverage of their actions through the media, with only official projects, ceremonies, and speeches by Taliban officials being reported. As a result, the Center for Journalists claims that media content is heavily censored before publication.
Additionally, women’s participation in the media has been severely restricted, with their voices and images nearly eliminated from television and radio programs.
Somaya Walizadeh, a representative of the Center for Journalists, stated, “Today, Afghans are living in a state of information blackout imposed through deliberate policy.” She added that the Taliban’s war against access to information has silenced journalists and blocked public access to essential information.
The Center emphasized that access to information is a fundamental right of the people and that the Taliban should not restrict it. The group’s enforcement of the “Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice” law is seen as a significant obstacle to freedom of expression and access to information.
The Center has documented numerous cases of violence, threats, and arrests of journalists by the Taliban. These journalists were targeted for attempting to access and disseminate information related to national interests.
The Taliban have also cut access to high-speed fiber optic internet under the guise of moral concerns, leaving the state of internet connectivity in the country uncertain. This policy has effectively jeopardized public access to information.
