The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) says the Taliban continued to restrict media freedom during the second quarter of the year through the detention of journalists, suspension of media outlets and tighter controls on broadcasting activities.
In its latest quarterly report, released on Tuesday and covering the period from April to June, UNAMA said Taliban authorities halted the educational programming of Radio Long in Khost Province on April 11, citing what officials described as a failure to comply with the approved education curriculum.
The report also states that the Taliban’s General Directorate of Intelligence ordered the closure of Radio Bamyan on May 7, alleging that the station lacked a valid broadcasting licence. According to UNAMA, the station resumed operations six days later.
UNAMA further reported that Rah-e-Farda Television was permitted to resume broadcasting on June 11 after changes were made to its management.
The report notes that at least seven radio stations in Kunduz and Ghazni provinces were unable to continue operating because they could not meet financial obligations and other licensing requirements.
According to the UN mission, Taliban authorities also attempted to seize mobile phones, cameras, computers and documents from a media office in Kabul. In three separate incidents, three journalists were detained. UNAMA said two were released after several days, while the third was freed after being summoned and questioned.
The report additionally highlights restrictions on the use of smartphones by government employees. UNAMA said that following implementation of the policy, some local government offices confiscated or destroyed employees’ personal mobile phones and suspended official communication through social media platforms, including Facebook.
Media freedom has remained a major concern for international organizations since the Taliban returned to power in 2021. Taliban authorities have previously said that media organizations are permitted to operate provided they comply with Afghan laws and Islamic values, while rights groups argue that expanding restrictions have significantly reduced press freedom across the country.
