The Afghanistan Media Support Organization (AMSO) has expressed deep concern over the continued arrest and detention of journalists and media workers in the country, describing the practice as a serious violation of freedom of expression and international media principles.
In a statement issued on Thursday (1th July), the organization said that the uncertainty surrounding the fate of detained journalists has created an atmosphere of fear and censorship in the country and has brought professional media activities to a standstill.
According to available information, Mohammad Rahmati, the managing director of the private television channel “Tamaddon,” and his colleague Mohammadreza were arrested about two weeks ago and remain in detention. Close sources have said that Rahmati’s health condition is concerning and that he requires immediate medical attention.
The Afghanistan Journalists Center has also called on the Taliban to promptly release the detained media workers.
The media support organization described the detention of an ill journalist in prison as contrary to media protection principles and as “inhumane” treatment.
The organization further strongly condemned the arrest and detention of other journalists and media activists, including Bashir Hatif, Shakib Ahmad Nazari, Wahid Farhadi, Abu Zarr Saram Sarpli, Aziz Watanwal, and Ahmad Jawed Niazi. It urged the Taliban to clarify the fate of Mohammad Rahmati, Mohammadreza, and all other detained journalists, and to release them unconditionally.
The statement emphasized that journalism is not a “crime,” but rather a means of enlightening society and revealing the truth. It also called on international institutions, the United Nations, and media freedom defenders to increase pressure to protect journalists’ rights in Afghanistan.
According to various international reports, Afghanistan ranks 175th in the global press freedom index, and under Taliban rule, the media faces severe restrictions and censorship.
Writer:Saeed Sameer
