AFJC: The offices of Radio Begum and Radio Jawanan are still closed
The Afghanistan Journalists’ Center (AFJC) reports that despite the announcement from the Ministry of Information and Culture of the Taliban allowing the resumption of activities of Radio “Begum” and “Jawanan,” the offices of these two radios in Kabul have not yet been reopened.
(AFJC) reported on Sunday, February 23, citing informed sources, that in addition to the offices of these radios being closed, two employees of Radio Begum who were arrested have not yet been released.
The Ministry of Information and Culture of the Taliban announced on February 22 that permission had been granted for these two radios to resume their activities. The ministry also added that the officials of these radios have committed to operate according to the policies of the Taliban and journalism principles, and refrain from any violations.
The (AFJC) has welcomed the decision by the Ministry of Information and Culture of the Taliban to allow the resumption of these two radios, but at the same time, it has condemned forcing these radios into “commitments beyond the media laws” and the continued detention of their employees. The center has called for the immediate release of the two detained employees of Radio Begum.
The Ministry of Information and Culture of the Taliban had announced on February 5 that the broadcasts of Radio Begum had been stopped due to the abuse of its license and preparation of programs for a foreign television station.
After this decision, Radio Begum reported that employees of the Ministry of Information and Culture and Taliban intelligence forces raided the office of the radio, arresting two male employees, and confiscated computers, hard drives, documents, and mobile phones of female journalists.
Radio Begum was established on March 8, 2021, coinciding with International Women’s Solidarity Day, and is mainly composed of female staff. It was launched by Hamida Aman, an Afghan entrepreneur residing in France, and is managed under the “Begum Institute for Women.”
Radio Jawanan, which was also launched by Mrs. Aman, operates alongside Radio Begum in the same building.
