UN: Taliban Detained Journalists Over 250 Times Since Afghanistan Takeover

KABUL – The United Nations mission to Afghanistan (Unama) reported on Nov 26 that the Taliban has arbitrarily detained journalists 256 times since taking power in 2021, urging the regime to ensure media freedom and the safety of reporters.

According to the report, journalists in Afghanistan face “challenging conditions” under unclear rules that leave them vulnerable to intimidation and detention for content perceived as critical of the Taliban. Ms. Roza Otunbayeva, special representative of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, highlighted the difficulties journalists face, stating:

“We urge the de facto authorities to ensure the safety and security of all journalists and media workers… and to fully recognise the importance of women working in the media.”

In response, the Taliban’s foreign ministry rejected the UN’s findings, calling the arrest figures “exaggerated.” It claimed arrests were made legally, citing violations such as promoting dissent, defamation, spreading false reports, or aiding anti-government entities.

The Taliban added that women are permitted to work in media under conditions that align with their interpretation of Islamic morality, such as covering their faces and working in segregated environments.

Unama, however, emphasized the critical need for press freedom and the protection of media workers, particularly women, in a country where the rights of female journalists have faced significant restrictions.

The Taliban’s rule since 2021 has been marked by international criticism, especially for its crackdowns on women’s rights and curbs on freedoms. Their administration remains unrecognized globally, with Western governments linking recognition to improved human rights, particularly concerning women.