"Zhman Radio" is the second local media outlet in Khost to be closed following recent warnings.
This statement was originally published on afjc.media on 6 November 2024.
The private radio station Zhman in southeastern Khost province has been shut down by the Department of Virtue and Vice due to the inclusion of theme music in one of its programs. The Afghanistan Journalists Center expresses serious concern over the closure, deeming it a clear violation of free media rights, and calls on the Taliban authorities to allow the radio station to reopen immediately and without preconditions.
A journalist in Khost, who wished to remain anonymous for safety reasons, reported that the Zhman Radio office was “locked and sealed” by representatives of the Department of Virtue and Vice around 1:30 p.m. today. Another source in Khost revealed that a commission meeting involving representatives from the Departments of Virtue and Vice, Information and Culture, Intelligence, and Police was held earlier this morning. The commission decided to shut down Zhman Radio due to its violation of the music broadcasting ban.
According to this source, Zhman Radio had only featured soft music as background accompaniment to a morning program addressing social issues in the province. Previously, on October 26, a meeting in Khost with officials from the Department of Virtue and Vice explicitly warned media outlets that all forms of music broadcasting were strictly prohibited.
Zhman Radio is the second local media outlet in Khost to be closed following recent warnings. On October 31, Gharghasht Radio was similarly shut down but was permitted to resume operations after three days, provided it refrains from any music broadcasting.
Established in 2017, Zhman Radio primarily broadcasts political, social, cultural, and educational programs daily from 7:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., reaching audiences in Khost and parts of neighboring Paktia province.
AFJC condemns the closure of Zhman Radio by the Khost Department of Virtue and Vice, viewing this action as a significant infringement on the fundamental rights of free media. AFJC warns of the potential consequences of escalating restrictions on local media.
AFJC urges local Taliban authorities to rescind this order without any preconditions, allowing Zhman Radio to continue its operations in accordance with the Afghanistan Media Law. This law, which the Taliban government has acknowledged, stipulates that journalists and media organizations are free to conduct their professional duties without undue restrictions or threats, and that they should receive appropriate support from authorities.
