Press Freedom in Afghanistan Plummets as More Than 700 Cases of Violence Against Journalists Recorded

DID Press: NAI and the Afghanistan Journalists Center (AJC), two independent media organizations, have reported that more than 700 cases of violence against journalists have been recorded during the Taliban’s five years in power, highlighting a sharp decline in press freedom in Afghanistan.

According to separate reports by the two organizations, Afghan journalists have faced widespread threats, arbitrary detention, physical assaults and severe restrictions since the Taliban returned to power.

The reports describe Afghanistan’s media environment as one of the most restrictive in the region.The documented cases include more than 700 incidents of direct violence against journalists, ranging from detention and arbitrary arrests to physical attacks and security-related pressure.

The media organizations warned that the continued restrictions threaten the survival of independent media outlets and deprive Afghan society of access to free and independent information.

Experts say the deterioration of press freedom could have broader political and social consequences, including increased censorship, growing self-censorship and the potential disappearance of independent media in Afghanistan.