Two journalists are detained by Taliban forces in an undisclosed location

Aslam Hijab

Men who identified themselves as Taliban members arrested Aslam Hijab, a reporter, and Waris Hasrat, a manager of political programs and a political presenter, both with Ariana News TV, at the entrance to the station's headquarters in District 3 of Kabul.

It is unclear where the journalists are being held or what allegations have been made against them. 

While Hijab was out reporting, the Taliban members called him and asked to search his office. Upon his meeting with the men at Ariana News's headquarters, Hijab was placed in a vehicle while handcuffed, a sack atop his head, and a handcuff around his wrist.

Hasrat approached the Taliban members and asked why they were detaining Hijab; the men then questioned him about his position at Ariana News, and handcuffed and arrested him, Hasanyar said.

Ariana News feared that more of its employees would be detained after the two arrests.

As one of Afghanistan's most-watched TV broadcasters, Arianna News broadcasts many political discussion shows featuring guests critical of the Taliban-led government.

Taliban forces briefly seized and interrogated Ariana News journalist Shapoor Farahmand about his reporting on December 28, 2021.

Amnesty International tweeted that the Taliban must release the pair immediately and unconditionally.  AFP reported that a Taliban spokesman had no information about the missing journalists.  Two women activists went missing a fortnight ago after they took part in a protest for women's rights in Kabul.  According to the Taliban, they are investigating their whereabouts. Having seized power in August, the Taliban regime has cracked down on dissent by detaining critics and violently suppressing protests.

This article contains information sourced from CPJ.