Afghan journalists continue to be attacked and detained

In the first weeks of 2022, Afghan journalists have been detained and attacked, as the Taliban assures press freedom organizations of its commitment to press freedom. As violence and intimidation against journalists and media workers in Afghanistan escalate, the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) calls for greater efforts to safeguard press freedom there.

A group of three unidentified men attacked Afghan journalist Noor Mohammad Hashemi on January 10 in the afternoon. In one incident, a gunman attempted to shoot Hashemi as he was forced out of his vehicle. Hashemi was able to defend himself after the gun misfired and survived the incident.

Three Afghan journalists were detained on January 6 by Taliban authorities at a restaurant in the Shari Naw neighborhood of Kabul's District Four. There are three journalists working for the YouTube channel Kabul Lovers, which covers current affairs and everyday life in Kabul. The channel has over 244,000 subscribers.

Their articles reported residents' harsh criticism of the Taliban militia's killing of a civilian in Panjshir province during protests there recently. Several international media outlets cited the report, which garnered over 120,000 views.

As reported, Modaris, Rahimi, and Azizi are being held by the counterterrorism arm of the Taliban's intelligence agency and are not allowed to see their families or attorneys.

The Taliban have launched a series of attacks on journalists and media workers in Afghanistan. Haji Arif Noori, the owner of the independent Noorin Television station, was detained by the Taliban on December 26. They raided his Kabul home two days later and released him the next day.

In the 5th district of Kabul, reporter Sayed Rashed Kashefi was beaten and detained for over six hours for covering a fight at an aid distribution site.

Meanwhile, the Taliban denies reports that they are interfering with the media and has increased attacks and detainments. Inamullah Samagani, the Taliban spokesperson, said, "we are making efforts to create good coordination with the media and (give) good opportunities for them to survive and continue their activities. The presence of a free media is necessary for a good and accountable society."

* This article contains information sourced from the International Federation of Journalists.