Ban on cooperation with Afghanistan Int’l Radio and TV violates media law: AFJC

KABUL (Khaama Press): The Afghanistan Journalists Center has stated that the Taliban’s announcement banning work and cooperation with Afghanistan International Radio and Television is against the media laws.

On Thursday, May 9, the Afghanistan Journalists Center issued a statement calling this action contrary to the essence of free speech and violating the country’s media laws. The center urged the Taliban to respect the rights of free media and their audiences according to the law.

The organization has described the Taliban’s Media Violations and Complaints Commission’s statement on this matter as rooted in political pressures and motivations.

The statement said: “The Taliban should respect and adhere to the rights of free media and their audiences based on media law and allow the Commission to address complaints and potential violations by Afghanistan International according to media law.”

On Wednesday, the Taliban’s Media Violations Commission called on all journalists and experts in Afghanistan to cease their cooperation with Afghanistan International Radio and Television.

At the commission’s meeting, it was decided that participation in discussions and facilitating the broadcast of this media in public places are prohibited.

Afghanistan International Radio and Television has been accused by the Taliban’s Media Violations Commission of “inciting prejudice, character assassination, and distorting news.”

These media restrictions highlight a broader pattern of the Taliban’s efforts to control the narrative within Afghanistan. By shutting down independent media outlets like Barya and Noor, they restrict the flow of information, ensuring that only government-sanctioned news reaches the public. This approach stifles free speech and limits the ability of Afghan citizens to access diverse viewpoints and news.

The international community has expressed concern over these actions, as they represent a significant step backwards for media freedom in Afghanistan. Organizations advocating for press freedom have called on the Taliban to reverse these decisions and allow for a free and independent media landscape, essential for a functioning democracy and informed public.

Despite these calls, the situation for journalists and media personnel in Afghanistan remains precarious. Many journalists face threats to their safety and freedom, forcing some to flee the country or go into hiding. The ongoing suppression of the media is a clear indication of the challenging environment that continues to prevail under Taliban rule, impacting not just the media sector but also the general populace’s right to information.