AFJC Condemns Taliban Detention of Two Tamadon TV Employees

DID Press: Afghan Journalists Center has condemned the detention of two employees of Tamadon TV by Taliban authorities, describing the arrests as “arbitrary and unlawful” and calling for their immediate release.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the organization said that Mohammad Rahmati and Mohammad Reza Ehsani were detained on the orders of the Taliban Ministry of Justice without a court warrant.

According to the statement, no formal charges have been announced against either individual, and both are reportedly being held in solitary confinement. The organization said the detentions constitute a serious violation of journalists’ rights and media freedom.

Tamadon TV was shut down earlier this month after armed individuals affiliated with the Taliban Ministry of Justice entered the broadcaster’s premises. Reports indicate that broadcasting operations were halted and equipment was transferred to an undisclosed location. Taliban authorities have not publicly explained the closure or the subsequent arrests.

The Afghan Journalists Center stated that seven journalists and media workers are currently being held in Taliban custody. It also claimed that since the Taliban returned to power in 2021, approximately 300 journalists have been detained or imprisoned for alleged violations of the group’s media regulations.

The organization renewed its call on Taliban authorities to end arbitrary detentions and uphold international commitments related to freedom of expression and press freedom.