Press Under Siege: Journalists Detained as Taliban Tightens Grip

Afghanistan's Taliban government detained three journalists on unspecified charges, as reported by the United Nations mission in a statement urging protection for reporters.

The detainees include the head of the Kabul-based Paigard News Agency and two staff members from TOLOnews, Afghanistan's first 24-hour news channel. The UN mission called on the de facto authorities to adhere to international human rights laws, ensuring journalists can work without intimidation or harassment.

Following the Taliban's return to power in August 2021, more than 40% of Afghanistan's media outlets closed, and women face significant barriers in journalism roles. The country remains one of the most dangerous for journalists, with the Taliban's Ministry of Information and Culture confirming the detention of two TOLOnews journalists whose cases are under investigation.

(With inputs from agencies.)