Afghanistan Becomes an “Information Prison” Under Taliban Rule: RSF

DID Press: Reporters Without Borders (RSF) says the Taliban have issued more than 20 directives and provincial orders over the past five years that have severely restricted press freedom, effectively turning Afghanistan into an “information prison.” The organization also warned that a new criminal procedure law exposes journalists to harsh legal penalties.

In its latest report, RSF said the Taliban have steadily tightened restrictions on journalists and independent media since returning to power in August 2021, with each new directive further narrowing the space for free expression and independent reporting.

According to the report, more than 20 directives and a series of provincial orders have been introduced since the Taliban takeover, significantly undermining press freedom. Criticism of the Taliban administration has been prohibited, women journalists face extensive restrictions, political debate has been suppressed, and the publication of images of living beings has also been banned.

RSF also highlighted the new Criminal Procedure Law, which it said was secretly approved in January 2026. The organization said the law provides no protection for media workers and instead exposes them to legal threats and severe punishments. Insulting Taliban leaders has reportedly been criminalized, with penalties including imprisonment and flogging.

RSF called for the immediate repeal of regulations restricting press freedom and warned against the institutionalization of censorship and the criminalization of criticism.

The organization also urged countries hosting or serving as transit points for Afghan journalists to provide visas and security guarantees and to prevent journalists from being deported or forcibly returned to Afghanistan.