The Afghanistan Journalists Center: The Taliban Has Banned Political Discussions on Television

The Afghanistan Journalists Center (AFJC) has announced that the Taliban’s Ministry of Information and Culture has issued an order banning the broadcast of any political and economic discussions on Kabul’s television channels.

In a statement released today, Friday, February 14th, the center condemned the new Taliban directive, calling it an attempt to “suppress the few remaining critical voices” and impose a “monopolitical policy.”

The statement cites local sources in Kabul, saying that this order was verbally communicated to the managers of some television networks on Wednesday, February 12th. Journalists confirmed today that the restrictions are not limited to political discussions but also extend to economic debates that challenge the Taliban government.

According to the statement, the Ministry of Information and Culture has stated that, if necessary, media outlets are only allowed to interview official Taliban spokespeople.

The Taliban Ministry of Information and Culture has not yet commented on this matter.

The media advocacy organization has called on the Taliban to adhere to the “Afghanistan Media Law,” which was previously implemented by the Ministry of Information and Culture, and to recognize freedom of expression as a legal and religious right.

Since their return to power, the Taliban has imposed severe restrictions on journalists and media, resulting in the closure of many media outlets.