Taliban Journalists: More than 50 percent of Afghan journalists have lost their jobs since the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan in August 2021. TOLO News gave this information citing the report of Afghanistan National Journalists Union (ANJU).
TOLO News reported that in the 18 months since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan, more than 50 percent of journalists lost their jobs and half of media outlets closed for a variety of reasons, including financial issues. Reports have shown that most of the media workers in Afghanistan have left Afghanistan. The media community is facing many problems.
Journalists expressed concern over economic difficulties
The report quoted Masroor Lutfi, a member of the Afghanistan National Journalists’ Union (ANJU), as saying that media activities in Afghanistan have been banned. In addition, the suspension or closure of laws protecting the media community is a major challenge. Meanwhile, according to TOLOnews, several journalists expressed concern about the lack of information and economic difficulties on National Journalists’ Day.
Journalist Rakib Fayaz said Journalists’ Day is celebrated when lack of access to information is considered a hardship and the community is still dealing with major economic issues. Mustafa Shahryar, a journalist, said that we ask the government officials and concerned authorities to pay serious attention to the problems of journalists and ensure their safety.
Taliban ministry said – We are committed to the rights of journalists
TOLO News reported that the Taliban’s Ministry of Information and Culture said they were committed to upholding the rights of journalists and that efforts were being made to increase the facilities available to them.
According to the United Nations, in 2022, more than 200 cases of violations have been registered against journalists in Afghanistan, including arbitrary arrests, ill-treatment, harassment, threats and intimidation. Media freedom in Afghanistan has gone from bad to worse and journalists have been demoralized under the ruling regime.
Khama Press reports that many journalists have been arrested, harassed and threatened with death for reporting on sensitive issues. Many radio, and TV stations and news agencies have closed their doors. By some estimates more than 6,000 journalists have lost their jobs.
Afghan women journalists face double pressure
Female Afghan journalists suffer double pressure. According to Khama Press, the latest restrictions by the Taliban banning women from attending university, working with government or non-governmental aid organizations, and appearing in public places have also affected women journalists.
TOLO News recently reported that the Taliban crackdown on journalists and media workers in Afghanistan continues. Several journalists in Paktia province criticized the limited access to information on Friday, claiming it had negatively affected their operations. Their basic rights to work under the governance of the organization are being challenged.
It is alleged that they are not getting timely information from the authorities. Abdul Rehman Wayand, a journalist, said that it is the responsibility of the authorities and concerned organizations to provide accurate and timely information to the media. The journalists urged the authorities to fulfill their duty of providing access to information. According to TOLOnews, some departments have refused to give any information to the media on some matters.
