Tarz Press: Since the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan in 2021, the country’s media and journalists have been subjected to increasing pressure. The Taliban have imposed a series of restrictive regulations aimed at gaining complete control over the media and its activities. These restrictions, which have progressively intensified, include strict directives that severely impact freedom of speech and media independence. This report examines the latest guidelines issued by the Taliban and their implications for Afghanistan’s media landscape.
New Guidelines Issued
Recent reports indicate that the Taliban’s Ministry of Information and Culture has issued an eight-point directive imposing new restrictions on media activities. This directive, which has been communicated to several Afghan media outlets, requires that all media programs be approved by the Taliban before being aired.
The fourth point of the directive mandates that media outlets submit a daily list of programs and guests for political discussions to the Office of Broadcast Oversight for approval. It states, “Each morning, the list of programs and guests for political discussions must be shared with the Broadcast Oversight Office, and the programs can only proceed after approval.”
Prohibition on Criticism of the Taliban
One of the most concerning aspects of the directive is the prohibition of any criticism of the Taliban and its officials. According to the fifth point, “Challenging the laws, policies, and decisions of the regime (the Taliban) as well as unproven criticism of officials is forbidden.” This clearly indicates that media outlets are no longer allowed the freedom to critique the Taliban’s policies and actions, and any form of criticism must be authorized and monitored by Taliban officials.
Pre-Broadcast Censorship
The sixth point of the directive compels media outlets to censor any sensitive or critical content before it is aired. It states, “If any program criticizes the policies or officials of this group, the media director, host, and editor are required to remove weaknesses, sensitive issues, and criticisms of the Islamic Emirate (Taliban) and its officials before broadcasting.” This requirement for pre-broadcast censorship significantly limits press freedom, essentially turning the media into a tool for promoting Taliban ideology and policies.
Ban on Live Broadcasts of Political Programs
The Taliban have also banned live broadcasts of political programs. The first point of the directive states, “Talks must be recorded and should not be live.” This restriction prevents media outlets from holding spontaneous and unfiltered debates and discussions, allowing Taliban authorities to interfere and edit content before it reaches the public.
Control Over Program Guests
Another restrictive aspect of the directive is the oversight of who can be invited as guests on media programs. The Taliban have emphasized that only experts approved by them can appear on media shows. The second point states, “Experts must be selected according to the new list; inviting individuals not on this list is prohibited.” The third point adds, “Permission must be obtained from the Broadcast Oversight Office to invite individuals not on the list.”
Threats and Legal Action Against Media
The Taliban explicitly warn in the new directive that any violation of these regulations will result in legal action against media outlets and their staff. The eighth point of the directive states, “In case of violations, the media director, publishing director, program host, editor, and political expert will be held accountable, and they will be dealt with according to the rules.”
Increasing Pressure and Concerns
The Afghanistan Journalists Center has reported that with the issuance of this new directive, the number of restrictions imposed by the Taliban on the media has now reached 21. This center and other organizations advocating for freedom of speech have expressed concerns that these restrictions could further weaken Afghanistan’s independent media, turning them into propaganda tools for the Taliban.
Media experts in Afghanistan believe that with these restrictions in place, the layers of censorship imposed on the media will become even more severe, leaving no room for independent or impartial analysis and critique. Media outlets are being stripped of their role as independent observers and critics of government policies, and instead, are being pushed into promoting Taliban policies and agendas.
Human Rights Implications
These restrictions not only violate press freedom but also pose a broader threat to human rights in Afghanistan. Freedom of expression and access to information are fundamental rights in any free society. By imposing these restrictions, the Taliban are depriving the Afghan people of these rights and creating an atmosphere of fear and self-censorship.
Resistance and Hope for the Future
Despite these pressures, many journalists are continuing their work. Some have turned to social media and international outlets to keep reporting and ensure their voices are heard globally. While these efforts face immense challenges, they still represent a glimmer of hope for freedom of speech and the revival of independent media in Afghanistan.
The Role of the International Community
In these difficult circumstances, the role of the international community in supporting Afghan journalists and media outlets is critical. Human rights organizations and groups advocating for press freedom must provide financial, legal, and educational support to Afghan journalists to enable them to continue their work. Diplomatic pressure on the Taliban to end media restrictions and respect human rights should also be a priority for the global community.
Conclusion
The Taliban’s latest restrictions on Afghan media paint a bleak picture of the future of press freedom and independent journalism in the country. These restrictions prevent the media from fulfilling their essential role as independent observers and critics of government policies, leaving Afghan society without access to unbiased and accurate information. In this climate, international support for Afghan journalists and efforts to preserve media independence are more crucial than ever. Only through the creation of a free media environment can hopes for the restoration of democracy and human rights in Afghanistan be kept alive.
