At least 150 instances of press freedom violations and infringements on journalists’ rights have been recorded in Afghanistan over the last year, as reported by the Afghanistan Journalists Center (AFJC). The AFJC highlighted a concerning trend of deteriorating conditions for journalism and a deepening media crisis in Afghanistan between May 2025 and April 2026. The situation was underscored by increased censorship, restrictions, and pressures faced by journalists during this period.
The AFJC’s report, released on World Press Freedom Day, revealed a surge in censorship, limitations, and coercion targeting journalists in Afghanistan. Of the 150 documented cases, 127 involved threats against journalists and media personnel, while 20 cases led to detentions, with four individuals still in custody. The report also noted the tragic deaths of two employees from the state-run Radio and Television of Afghanistan, along with injuries sustained by another staff member during Pakistani airstrikes in the specified timeframe.
The total number of violations reported was lower compared to the previous year, but the AFJC emphasized that the quality and severity of restrictions had worsened due to policies enforced by the Taliban following their assumption of power in Afghanistan in 2021. The report highlighted various constraints on media activities, including the extension of bans on broadcasting images of living beings to eight additional provinces, now affecting 25 out of the country’s 34 provinces. This extension resulted in the closure of at least eight local television stations.
According to the report, 11 media outlets or organizations faced closures, either temporary or permanent, for non-compliance with Taliban directives. Additionally, licenses of at least 10 media support entities were revoked. The report pointed out a significant decrease in access to information, with nearly half of government ministries and institutions prohibiting video reporting or on-camera interviews. Media outlets encountered mounting pressure regarding content, with directives against interviewing individuals not approved by the Taliban and restrictions on mentioning women’s names or engaging with girls during live broadcasts, leading to suspensions of media operations in some instances in Afghanistan.
