Taliban Regime Faces Criticism Over Growing Restrictions on Afghan Media

The Afghanistan Media Support Organization (AMSO) has raised concerns over increasing restrictions on journalists, access to information and independent media under the Taliban regime.

In its recent statements, AMSO said journalists and media organisations across Afghanistan were facing growing pressure, with restrictions on access to information making independent reporting increasingly difficult.

The organisation said authorities had limited access to information and increased pressure on journalists, while media outlets were increasingly expected to operate within restrictions imposed by the Taliban administration.

AMSO has also highlighted cases involving the detention and intimidation of journalists. In one recent assessment, the organisation said journalists had faced arrests, mistreatment, physical violence and security threats in different parts of Afghanistan.

According to AMSO, restrictions have also affected the ability of journalists to photograph and report on public events. The organisation previously documented cases in which journalists were prevented from speaking with women and others were detained while carrying out their professional duties.

AMSO has called for restrictions on access to information to be lifted and for greater protection of journalists and media workers.

The organisation has also warned that pressure, censorship and interference by security and intelligence agencies are narrowing the space available for independent journalism.

The latest concerns add to continued debate over the state of press freedom in Afghanistan, where media organisations have repeatedly raised concerns about restrictions on reporting since the Taliban returned to power.