The Kabul Tribune (KT) — Afghanistan Journalists Center reported that at least 207 cases of media freedom violations and violence against journalists were recorded in Afghanistan during the current solar year, indicating a significant rise in pressure, censorship and restrictions on the media.
In a report released on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, marking National Journalists Day, the organization said that two journalists were killed and one was injured. It also documented 183 cases of threats, including 21 arrests of journalists and media workers.
According to the report, restrictions on media have increased to an unprecedented level, with bans on broadcasting images of living beings expanding widely across provinces. In 2025, these restrictions were extended to 18 additional provinces, resulting in at least 21 local television stations being shut down or converted into radio outlets.
The report added that eight media outlets were closed for failing to comply with Taliban media policies, while the licenses of at least 10 others were revoked.
The watchdog noted that violations of media freedom have risen by more than 20 percent compared to 2024.
It further stated that pressure from the Taliban has intensified censorship, restricted the presence of women journalists, led to the airing of forced confessions and increased gender-based discrimination, reflecting what it described as a growing climate of fear in the country.
The organization also warned that declining financial resources and reduced international support have made operating conditions more difficult, forcing many media outlets to scale down or temporarily halt their activities.
Expressing concern over the trend, the Afghanistan Journalists Center called on the Taliban to respect the fundamental rights of journalists and ensure an environment where media can operate freely and without fear.
