Afghan Journalists Under Taliban Repression

Since the Taliban's return to power in 2021, Afghan journalists have faced unprecedented repression, threatening the very foundation of a once-thriving media landscape.

Since the Taliban’s return to power in 2021, Afghan journalists have faced unprecedented repression, threatening the very foundation of a once-thriving media landscape. The situation has become dire, with reports documenting 450 violations against journalists since the Taliban takeover. This systematic crackdown is indicative of the regime’s oppressive policies, emphasizing control over freedom of speech, especially on matters concerning human rights and women’s rights. The Taliban’s actions have led to a dramatic reduction in the number of media professionals in the country, reflecting the hostile environment in which journalism now operates in Afghanistan.

The media sector in Afghanistan has witnessed a sharp decline, with the total number of media employees dropping from 8,400 before the Taliban’s rise to power to just 5,100. This reduction represents more than a 30% decrease, highlighting the challenges journalists face under a regime that prioritizes strict control and suppression over the free exchange of ideas. The repression has been particularly harsh for female journalists, who have become a primary target of the Taliban’s gender-regressive policies. In 2021, about 1,700 female media employees were part of Afghanistan’s media sector, but that number has plummeted to merely 560. The loss of female voices in journalism not only represents a setback for press freedom but also reflects a broader rollback of the progress Afghan women had made over the past two decades.

The challenges Afghan journalists face today extend beyond just job insecurity. Reports of frequent arrests, detentions, and threats have become common, especially for those who dare to cover sensitive or critical topics such as women’s rights and governance. The Taliban’s heavy-handed approach is evident in the way they target journalists who try to shed light on these pressing issues. Their policies aim to eliminate any form of dissent and maintain a narrative that aligns strictly with their interpretation of Islamic law. This stifling environment has forced many journalists to exercise self-censorship, particularly on social networks, to avoid persecution and ensure their safety. As a result, public discourse has become increasingly restricted, and independent information is difficult to access.

The deteriorating situation for Afghan journalists is further compounded by the Taliban’s new media regulations introduced in September 2024. These regulations mandate guest lists for talk shows, ban any criticism of the government, and enforce strict censorship of political content. This move is part of a broader effort by the Taliban to control the flow of information and curtail the ability of the media to scrutinize their actions. By restricting the topics that can be discussed openly, the Taliban is not only silencing the media but also depriving the Afghan people of diverse viewpoints and informed debate. These measures ensure that the only narrative available is one that the Taliban approves, further solidifying their control over the country.

The Taliban’s emphasis on controlling the media is not just about silencing journalists; it is also about enforcing their vision of society. Their media policies are closely aligned with their broader goal of imposing a strict interpretation of Islamic law across Afghanistan. The newly implemented law enforcing “the promotion of virtue and prevention of vice” adds to the pressure on journalists, making it even riskier to address issues that could be seen as contradicting the Taliban’s ideology. The consequences of this law are far-reaching, as it creates an atmosphere where any form of dissent is quickly quashed, leaving little space for genuine debate or critique.

The decline in press freedom and the suppression of journalists under Taliban rule is not just a domestic issue; it has significant international implications. Afghanistan’s media was once viewed as a symbol of progress, a sign that the country was moving toward greater openness and respect for human rights. The reversal of these gains has undermined Afghanistan’s image on the global stage, as the Taliban’s actions contradict their claims of seeking international recognition. The international community has long emphasized the importance of protecting human rights, including freedom of expression, as a key condition for engagement with the Taliban regime. The continued repression of journalists, especially women, makes it increasingly difficult for the Taliban to secure the legitimacy they seek.

The rise in violations against journalists has also coincided with a broader increase in terrorism and violence within the country. The Taliban’s efforts to suppress the media are part of a wider pattern of controlling any potential opposition to their rule. However, this approach has not brought stability; instead, it has contributed to an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty. Journalists, who once played a crucial role in providing information about the realities on the ground, are now either silenced or forced into exile, leaving a vacuum that is often filled with misinformation and extremist propaganda. This situation poses a significant challenge not only to the Afghan people but also to the international community, as the lack of credible information from within Afghanistan makes it difficult to respond effectively to the country’s evolving crises.

The severe restrictions placed on Afghan journalists by the Taliban are symptomatic of the broader challenges that Afghanistan faces under its current leadership. By targeting journalists, the Taliban are not only curbing individual freedoms but also undermining the societal role of the media in holding power to account. The decline in the number of media professionals, especially women, reflects the oppressive climate in which those who seek to report the truth must operate. This decline is particularly disheartening, as it underscores the Taliban’s disregard for the value of diverse perspectives and the role of women in public life.

Sahibzada M. Usman, Ph.D.
Sahibzada M. Usman, Ph.D.
Research Scholar and Academic; Ph.D. in Political Science at the University of Pisa, Italy. Dr. Usman has participated in various national and international conferences and published 30 research articles in international journals. Email: usmangull36[at]gmail.com