The Taliban Reissues Operating Licenses for Begum and Jawanan Radios

The Taliban Ministry of Information and Culture has announced that it has once again granted the operating license to the radio stations “Begum” and “Jawanan” after a temporary suspension of their activities.

The ministry stated today, Saturday, February 22, that the management of these radio stations has committed to operate in accordance with Taliban regulations and “journalistic principles,” and to refrain from any violations.

Radio Begum had previously been suspended on February 5 , accused of “collaborating with foreign media.” During this suspension, Taliban forces confiscated the radio’s equipment, including computers, hard drives, and mobile phones of female employees, and arrested two male employees.

Radio Begum’s management had previously stated that the Taliban Ministry of Information halted its operations without providing specific evidence and restricted female employees’ access to the radio’s equipment.

However, according to the Ministry’s statement, the managers of the radio stations repeatedly requested the resumption of their operations and committed to adhering to the Taliban’s policies.

In response to the suspension of Radio Begum’s activities, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights, and media advocacy organizations condemned the suspension of the radio’s license and the arrest of its employees, calling for the immediate release of those detained.