The Afghanistan Media Support Organization (AMSO) has accused the Taliban of increasing pressure on journalists and local media outlets in Herat following recent protests, warning that restrictions on reporting and access to information have intensified in the province.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, AMSO said Taliban authorities in Herat have expanded what it described as forced censorship, intimidation, and pressure against journalists and media organizations. According to the organization, officials from the Taliban’s Department of Information and Culture have threatened local reporters during meetings and direct communications.
Reports indicate that Taliban officials, accompanied by representatives of the group’s intelligence agency, recently summoned a number of journalists and media content producers. During the meeting, participants were reportedly instructed to highlight what were described as the “achievements of the Taliban” in their reporting.
According to information cited by AMSO, journalists were warned against publishing negative reports or security-related news, particularly stories connected to the Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice.
The reported restrictions come amid growing tensions in Herat, where Taliban authorities have recently detained women accused of failing to comply with the group’s dress code requirements. Those arrests triggered protests in the Jebrail township area, which local witnesses and sources say were met with a forceful response from Taliban security personnel.
AMSO stated that Taliban officials warned journalists that providing information or reports about the protests to foreign media organizations could result in arrest and punishment.
The organization argued that the Taliban are attempting to conceal developments in Herat by exerting pressure on local media and presenting the situation as normal despite growing public concerns.
AMSO described the reported actions as a direct attack on freedom of information and said threats against journalists represent a clear violation of media freedom principles and international human rights standards.
The organization warned that the security situation for journalists in Afghanistan has crossed a “red line” and requires urgent attention from the international community.
It called on Taliban authorities to end threats and intimidation against media workers and to guarantee conditions that allow journalists to operate freely and safely.
AMSO also urged the United Nations, the Committee to Protect Journalists, the International Federation of Journalists, and other freedom of expression organizations to take stronger measures to protect Afghan journalists and support independent media.
The latest allegations highlight continuing concerns over press freedom in Afghanistan, where journalists face increasing challenges while reporting on sensitive issues, including women’s rights, civil liberties, and public protests. As scrutiny over developments in Herat grows, media rights advocates warn that restrictions on independent reporting could further limit public access to reliable information and weaken transparency at a critical moment for the country.
