Tarz Press: Since the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan in 2021, the country’s media has entered one of its most challenging periods. The severe restrictions imposed by the Taliban, particularly on the media, have drastically impacted freedom of expression and access to information. With the introduction of new laws and strict regulations, television networks and other media outlets face the threat of permanent closure, a process that could render Afghanistan a silent and image-less country.
New Legislation: A Step Toward Complete Media Suppression
In recent months, the Taliban has taken further steps to limit media activity by passing the “Commanding Good and Forbidding Evil” law. Signed by the Taliban leader, Hibatullah Akhundzada, this law imposes severe restrictions, especially regarding the publication of images and visual reports. Article 17 of the law explicitly prohibits the broadcast of images of living beings, which directly disrupts television and news operations.
Alongside this ban, the law enforces harsh penalties for violators. Initially, media outlets are advised to cease their activities. Ignoring these warnings results in the threat of divine retribution. Later stages include financial penalties and imprisonment, enforced by “Hisba” officers under the Ministry of Commanding Good and Forbidding Evil. This law is gradually being implemented across Afghanistan.
Media Restrictions and Television Network Closures
With the passing of this law, television networks and visual media in Afghanistan face significant challenges. From the start, the Taliban gradually imposed restrictions on the media, which have intensified over time. These restrictions were initially enforced in southern provinces such as Kandahar and Helmand and later extended to northern and central provinces, including Takhar.
As a result, the national television office in Takhar has been completely shut down. Private networks such as “Mah-e-No” and “Reihan,” which operated in Takhar, were also forced to cease their activities due to the mounting pressure. These bans are expected to extend to other regions. Saif Khyber, spokesperson for the Ministry of Commanding Good and Forbidding Evil, confirmed that these policies would gradually be implemented nationwide, with the ultimate goal of converting all visual media into radio stations.
For journalists and media workers, this translates into serious threats, including arrest and punishment. Additionally, the Taliban has banned photography and videography in many areas. In Wardak province, journalists are forbidden from taking pictures during Taliban officials’ meetings. These restrictions have forced many journalists to abandon their professions.
The Impact of Media Closures on Society
The shutdown of visual media in Afghanistan is not just a domestic issue—it has profound implications for the global community. The Taliban’s restrictions aim to turn Afghanistan into a silent nation, where news and information barely reach the world. If this trend continues, Afghanistan will enter a dark period, similar to the 1990s when the country was completely isolated from the international community.
This silencing not only strips the Afghan people of their right to free expression but also directly affects their daily lives. In a country struggling with poverty, war, and humanitarian crises, the media plays a vital role in informing, educating, and providing transparency. Limiting media activities prevents people from exercising their right to information, which can lead to increased ignorance, instability, and extremism.
Risks to Journalists and Media Activists
Journalists and media activists in Afghanistan have always faced dangers, but these risks have multiplied under Taliban rule. The Taliban has repeatedly threatened journalists and media outlets for publishing content that contradicts their views. Some journalists have been arrested, while others have been assaulted.
The new Taliban restrictions, especially the ban on images, have forced many journalists and media workers to quit their jobs. While some remain in the country, hoping for political and social change, many have fled to neighboring countries seeking refuge. This exodus has drastically reduced the quality and quantity of news reporting within Afghanistan.
Comparison to the Previous Taliban Regime: History Repeats Itself
The current media restrictions are reminiscent of the previous Taliban regime in the 1990s. At that time, media freedom was heavily suppressed, and freedom of expression was non-existent. The Taliban not only controlled domestic media but also severely limited the public’s access to international media. This policy transformed Afghanistan into one of the world’s most closed-off countries, leaving its citizens unaware of global events.
Now, with the Taliban back in power, it seems history is repeating itself. Just like in the 1990s, media outlets are facing strict restrictions, and the future of Afghan media remains uncertain. If this trend continues, Afghanistan could soon become a silent nation where dissenting voices are not heard, and the public is cut off from information.
A Call to the International Community: The Need for Action to Support Freedom of Expression
The international community must pay special attention to the recent developments in Afghanistan. The closure of media outlets and the severe restrictions on freedom of expression not only violate human rights in Afghanistan but also pose a threat to global security and stability. If the Taliban succeeds in completely silencing the country’s media, this could set a dangerous precedent for other countries seeking to suppress the press.
International human rights organizations and journalist protection groups must defend the rights of Afghan journalists and media. Additionally, democratic governments worldwide should use diplomatic and economic tools to pressure the Taliban into lifting media restrictions.
Afghanistan is currently at a critical juncture. The Taliban’s media restrictions are a serious threat to the future of democracy, freedom of expression, and the right to access information. If the international community fails to address this issue, Afghanistan will soon become a voiceless and imageless nation where people are isolated from the outside world, and their human rights are systematically violated.
