Those journalists who continue to work face the most daunting conditions. Since the Taliban take over, seven have died, 14 have been injured and 26 have been arrested. Legal challenges, harassment, and intimidation are commonplace.
These are the headline findings of a meticulously researched report published on the second anniversary of the take over by the Afghan National Journalists’ Union (ANJU). The survey includes both statistical analysis of the issues facing Afghanistan’s media, as well as granular first-hand testimony from journalists working in the country, and comment from the country’s government.
For example, one interviewee, Mohammad Ismail Azar, of the Sulu TV network said: “I was covering the funeral of a renowned religious scholar who had been killed in a suicide attack. I adhered to all religious laws in my coverage, but I faced physical assault and intimidation in the presence of the public. The violence was inflicted by the Head of Information and Culture in Herat, along with his guards”.
Miasma Nazari spoke of her concerns about restrictions on social media in Afghanistan (at the moment, TikTok is banned; constrained versions of Facebook and X continue to operate): “There is strict control over the dissemination of content (on social media) by the relevant authorities of the Islamic Emirate. Content that contradicts the policies of the Emirate is censored by the central controllers of social media networks. This even leads to the pursuit and arrest of those who publish such content.”
Ahmad Shoaib Fana, chief executive of the Afghan National Journalists’ Union said:
“Censorship and self-censorship have become rampant, with journalists navigating the perilous territory of permissible content. Threats, intimidation and violence have created an atmosphere of fear, and caused an exodus of skilled journalists. Access to unbiased information has dwindled, leaving citizens ill-informed.”
“The absence of comprehensive legal frameworks has exacerbated challenges. Safeguarding the media's role between the government and the people is paramount. Collaborative efforts between the Islamic Emirate, the international community, and media support organisations are essential to prevent the collapse of Afghanistan's media landscape.”
Sabina Inderjit, president of the Federation of Asia-Pacific Journalists (the IFJ's regional group) said: “Afghanistan desperately needs an environment where media can thrive, reflect diverse perspectives, and promote transparency. We urgently need an adaptable legal framework, gender-inclusive policies, and an unwavering commitment to press freedom, including the protection of journalists and the availability of information. Only through these concerted efforts can Afghanistan's media reclaim its vitality, ensuring that the nation's citizens are well-informed and empowered in the years to come.”
Tim Dawson, Deputy General Secretary of the International Federation of Journalists said: “The destruction of so much of Afghanistan’s free media is among the most striking and shocking consequences of the regime change in that country. What journalists remain face aggravation, attack and arrest. Hundreds of other Afghan media workers are refugees, struggling to survive in other countries. If the Taliban government wants to build an open, self-confident country, and to earn international respect, it should act immediately to safeguard the remaining media and ensure that journalists can do their work free from harm and harassment.”
Download the report: 'Between shadows and stories: Navigating the journey of Afghan journalists'.
Notes for editors
- 'Between The Shadows And Stories, Navigating The Journey Of Afghan Journalists', is published by the Afghan National Journalists Union on 15 August 2023.
- The ANJU is an affiliate of the International Federation of Journalists, that represents over 600,000 journalists in more than 140 countries. The Federation of Asia-Pacific Journalists, is the IFJ’s ‘regional’ group.
- Since 15 August 2021, the IFJ has helped hundreds of Afghan Journalists to leave the country, as well as providing relief funds for individual journalists in Afghanistan administer by its affiliates the ANJU and the Afghan Independent Journalists Union.
- Funds to help Afghan journalists are still desperately needed. Donate to the IFJ Safety Fund for Journalists in Afghanistan.
- The IFJ, in association with UNESCO has recently opened in Islamabad two emergency accommodation centres for displaced Afghan journalists.