The Taliban shut down a press conference by the Afghanistan Journalists Federation

According to news reports, 60 armed members of the Taliban-controlled Kabul police and intelligence agency blocked a planned press conference by the organization in the capital's District 4.

A collective of 13 press freedom and media groups, the Afghanistan Journalists Federation, had scheduled a meeting in Kabul, according to Akbarzadeh, to examine the media situation under the Taliban.

As soon as the conference was to begin, dozens of armed men entered the house where it would be held. They identified themselves as police officers and members of the GDI, and in their initial statement claimed to be providing security for the event.

Akbarzadeh says one of the armed men then asked attendees why they held the press conference and threatened retaliation if such events continued without Taliban approval.

A police officer and an intelligence agent briefly detained three journalists for covering the conference, according to Free Speech Hub. The reporters were identified as Masoor Lutfi, Fardin Attai, and Zarif Karimi. 

GDI agents and police briefly detained the three journalists at the scene but released them without charging them, according to Free Speech Hub.

Journalists in Afghanistan face violence, arrests, and unclear laws regarding media. There have been several attacks on journalists, and some who have been beaten have said that the Taliban failed to hold those responsible accountable. In response to the repressive environment, the International Federation of Journalists has called on the Taliban to release detained journalists and secure justice for those who have been attacked.

Reporters and media workers continue to face arrests and attacks in Afghanistan under the Taliban regime, according to the International Federation of Journalists. “The Taliban must cease its harassment of the media and display a tangible commitment to safeguarding press freedom.”

* This article contains information sourced from CPJ and VOA.