The Afghanistan Journalists Center notes that at least 10 journalists are currently detained or serving prison sentences in the country
This statement was originally published on afjc.media on 8 May 2025.
The Afghanistan Journalists Center (AFJC) condemns the detention of three local journalists by de facto security forces in Takhar province and urges their immediate and unconditional release.
On May 5, 2025, Nasratullah Ibrahimi, a reporter for Ariana News TV, along with freelance journalists Munir Hadaf and Asadullah Timur, were detained in the provincial capital, Taliqan. According to sources close to the journalists. Hadaf and Timur were taken into custody around 9 p.m. that evening. Ibrahimi was reportedly detained while visiting the de facto police headquarters to follow up on the arrests of his colleagues.
A local source, requesting anonymity due to security concerns, indicated that the detention appears linked to their journalistic work. However, no official statement has been issued by local authorities regarding their detention.
AFJC expresses grave concern over these incidents, emphasizing that under Afghanistan’s Media Law – which the de facto authorities have publicly acknowledged as applicable – journalists are entitled to operate freely and without intimidation. AFJC calls on the de facto authorities in Takhar to release the detained journalists immediately and unconditionally, respecting their right to carry out their professional duties without fear of reprisal.
AFJC’s latest findings show that at least 10 other journalists and media staff are currently detained or serving prison sentences nationwide, with sentences ranging from seven months to three years. These ongoing restrictions severely undermine press freedom in Afghanistan, contrary to international commitments to protect journalists.
