Afghanistan Times
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KABUL – The United Nations Mission in Afghanistan reported Tuesday that the Taliban has arbitrarily detained journalists 256 times since seizing power in 2021. The UN has urged the Taliban to ensure media freedom and protect journalists, especially women, who face severe restrictions under the regime.
“Journalists in Afghanistan work under extremely challenging conditions,” said Roza Otunbayeva, the UN secretary-general’s special representative. “They often face unclear rules, intimidation, and arbitrary detention for alleged criticism.”
The UN highlighted that the repression particularly impacts female journalists, who face restrictions such as mandatory face coverings and segregation from male colleagues. Otunbayeva called on the Taliban to safeguard media workers and recognize the vital role of women in the press.
In response, Afghanistan’s Foreign Ministry dismissed the UN’s findings as “exaggerated” and claimed the detentions were lawful. The Taliban also asserted that female journalists could work under conditions adhering to “religious morality.”
Despite these claims, international concerns persist about deteriorating press freedom and human rights under the Taliban’s rule.
