Afghanistan: broadcaster’s station raided and closed by the Taliban
NUJ condemns closure of radio station by Taliban officials after mixed-gender journalism training course.
On 31 July, Taliban officials entered broadcaster Radio Hamisha Bahar’s offices and disrupted a journalism course attended by both men and women. Officials forcibly entered the building, were abusive and assaulted station staff in attendance.
On 1 August, the station was ordered to close, and staff wee accused of breaking rules announced in December last year limiting activity women can undertake under Taliban rule. Radio Nan and Radio Jawanan also at the station, have since been banned.
The National Union of Journalists joins the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) in condemning the closure of the outlet and ongoing harassment against women journalists. Since the Taliban returned to power, Afghanistan’s media has faced several restrictions including censorship and a significant reduction in the number of women working in media. Restrictive legislation including on roles permitted for women has led to an increase in gendered harassment and oppression by the Taliban.
The IFJ said:
“This is a clear example of the Taliban’s systematic assault on women in Afghanistan’s media. The IFJ strongly condemns the actions of the Taliban members responsible and urges Nangarhar state bodies to act to intervene and allow broadcasting to resume.”