The Committee to Protect Journalists has called on the European Commission to cancel its plan to invite a Taliban delegation to Brussels. The international organization stated that such a move could legitimize a group accused of suppressing the media and restricting freedom of expression.
Tom Gibson, deputy director of the Committee to Protect Journalists, said on Monday, 18 May, that the invitation comes at a time when the Taliban continue to restrict media activities. He described the move as “shameful” and added that such contacts could strengthen the Taliban’s position as an international actor.
The Committee to Protect Journalists stated that since returning to power in Afghanistan, the Taliban have shut down independent media outlets, detained several journalists, and imposed widespread restrictions and censorship on domestic media.
The media freedom organization also emphasized that many Afghan journalists are now continuing their work in an atmosphere of fear and threats, while a large portion of local media content has become dedicated to reflecting Taliban views and propaganda.
According to reports, the European Commission is considering inviting Taliban representatives to Brussels for talks regarding the return of deported refugees. However, the Commission stressed that this move does not mean recognition of the Taliban government.
A spokesperson for the European Commission said on Tuesday that Brussels had sent a letter to Kabul to determine the timing of the meeting. The spokesperson added that the contacts are taking place only at a “technical level” and that senior Taliban leaders will not be part of the delegation.
The European Union has not officially recognized the Taliban administration and has conditioned any formal engagement with the group on compliance with international human rights standards. Nevertheless, European countries have treated the refugee issue separately from this policy, and the deportation of some Afghan refugees has continued despite concerns raised by human rights organizations.
Writer:Salima Aryaei
