Amnesty International: Taliban’s Latest Decision Is Another Blow to Media Freedom in Afghanistan

DID Press: Amnesty International has condemned the Taliban’s latest decision to revoke licenses and ban the activities of organizations supporting independent media outlets and journalists, saying the move is part of the Taliban’s “campaign to suppress and dismantle media freedom” in Afghanistan.

According to Amnesty International, these media support organizations—which provide training, assistance, and protection to journalists—have already faced intimidation, sweeping restrictions, and financial pressure. The group warned that the Taliban’s new decision will further worsen an already dire situation.

In a statement, the organization said: “The Taliban de facto authorities must immediately reverse this decision and ensure that these organizations can continue their legitimate work freely and without fear.

”The Taliban’s Ministry of Information and Culture has accused the organizations of “unprofessional conduct” and of “damaging the international credibility of Afghan media.” Amnesty International rejected these claims, stressing that such harsh measures will not make the media “more effective or coherent,” but instead will eliminate the last remaining avenues of professional support and safety for independent journalists in an extremely repressive environment.

Amnesty International warned that the continuation of these policies will push Afghanistan’s media landscape further toward silence and the complete erasure of independent voices.If you want, I can tighten it further, shorten it for mobile, or adapt it for an international advocacy audience.