Journalists are individuals of intelligence, courage, excellent communication skills, emotional and physical balance, precision, and organization, familiar with news gathering, production, and writing, who convey information from the corners of the country and the world to the audience. Journalists generate content, capture events, and inform the public. They dedicate their entire day to providing information and strive for accuracy, but these individuals in Afghanistan are currently facing severe constraints.
In the past, March 17th was designated as National Journalist Day in Afghanistan, and in the republican system, this day was commemorated for its noble cause. Press freedom and media achievements were celebrated nationwide and internationally, but this year, this occasion has arrived amidst pressures and restrictions imposed by the Taliban, challenging many journalists working in the country.
Every day, further restrictions and limitations are imposed on the media and journalists, especially female journalists, by the Taliban. These restrictions have led to some journalists experiencing unemployment, while others continue their work covertly and discreetly, and those who operate openly face new constraints daily, such as threats, being barred from their work in the media, and restrictions on their attire and coverage style.
As a result of living in this harsh and arduous environment, hundreds of journalists, especially experienced female journalists, have been forced to leave the country due to threats and pressure from the ruling group.
Marina, a journalist who recently travelled to Germany, tells the Afghanistan Women’s News Agency that she had been repeatedly threatened by Taliban intelligence. Eventually, after facing numerous challenges, she managed to seek refuge in neighbouring Iran, then Pakistan, and ultimately Germany. Marina shares that after years of dedication and respect for her duty, she was compelled to seek refuge in a distant country, far from the reach of the Taliban.
Additionally, another woman, Habiba, who has spent many years working as a journalist in one of Afghanistan’s news agencies, states that numerous restrictions and challenges have hindered our path and darkened our lives. However, despite this, with a special love and passion for my work, I continue in the hope of witnessing freedom of expression and media freedom in the country one day.
The Taliban not only impose restrictions on the attire and appearance of female journalists but also rigorously controls and monitors the content produced by journalists and the statements of opinion leaders.
While sharing events is considered one of the responsibilities of journalists, the current situation and numerous limitations prevent journalists from fulfilling their mission properly and without censorship in Afghanistan.
- نویسنده : Afghanistan Women News Agency
- منبع خبر : Afghanistan Women News Agency
