Richard Bennett, the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan, has called on the Taliban to immediately and unconditionally release all detained journalists and to ensure that media workers can continue their work without fear, ahead of World Press Freedom Day.
In a statement issued yesterday, he said that since the Taliban’s return to power, press freedom in Afghanistan has been in a worrying state of decline.
According to Bennett, independent reporting is now severely restricted, and journalists and media workers are operating in an increasingly restrictive and hostile environment.
He added that Taliban restrictions include censorship, intrusive surveillance, and “legal” limitations, including the so-called law on the Propagation of Virtue and Prevention of Vice.
The statement said that a climate of fear has led to widespread self-censorship, affecting not only journalists but also news sources. It was reported that Afghan citizens speaking to the media face threats, surveillance, and even arrest.
Bennett said that even routine reporting can involve serious risks, adding: “These risks increase when published material is perceived as critical of the Taliban or covers other sensitive topics, especially the rights of women and girls.”
He added that intimidation and harassment have become common, and accusations of cooperation with foreign media are particularly sensitive and provoke strong reactions.
Citing a report by the Afghanistan Journalists Center, Bennett said that at least 34 journalists were detained in the country last year.
In another part of his statement, he said journalists are also being punished for their social media posts.
Bennett said that on World Press Freedom Day, the international community should stand in solidarity with Afghan journalists and stressed that increasing financial and technical support for independent media and ensuring protective mechanisms for those at risk are essential.
