Search
Close this search box.

Afghan Journalists Fear Losing ‘Last Remaining’ Freedoms

Dushanbe:The situation for journalists in Afghanistan and neighboring regions has become increasingly dire, with mounting restrictions and threats to press freedom. In Afghanistan, the return of the Taliban to power has led to a severe clampdown on media freedoms, with new "morality laws" banning the publication of human and animal images and prohibiting women's voices from being heard in public. These restrictions have forced many media outlets to shut down or drastically alter their operations, turning television stations into radio stations and leaving many media workers unemployed.

According to Radio Free Europe, Journalists like Barna, a 26-year-old reporter in Kabul, navigate a landscape filled with red lines and self-censorship to avoid angering the authorities. The fear of losing the "last remaining freedoms" is palpable among Afghan journalists, especially women, who are already facing significant challenges under the Taliban regime. The economic situation compounds these difficulties, with many media workers earning significantly less than they did before August 2021 and losing benefits like transport and meals.

The broader region reflects similar struggles for press freedom. In Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan, journalists face severe repercussions for their work, ranging from imprisonment to physical attacks and harassment. Despite these challenges, some journalists, like Soltan Achilova in Turkmenistan, continue their work, driven by the belief that without reporters, society would become a "dark, silent place."

The situation highlights the critical role of journalists in maintaining transparency and accountability and the dire consequences when these freedoms are curtailed. The international community's response and support for press freedom in these regions remain crucial as journalists continue to fight for their right to report and inform the public amidst increasing repression.