The Kabul Tribune (KT) — Afghanistan Journalists Center said Afghanistan has entered a new phase of media crisis, citing unprecedented restrictions on press freedom across the country.
In a statement issued ahead of World Press Freedom Day on May 3, 2026, the center said the media situation in Afghanistan remains deeply concerning despite a slight decline in recorded violations compared to the previous year.
According to the center, at least 150 cases of violations against media outlets and journalists’ rights have been documented since May 2025. These include the killing of two journalists from Radio Television Afghanistan and the injury of another, reportedly linked to airstrikes by Pakistani forces.
The report also documented the arrest of at least 20 journalists and 127 cases of threats during the same period. Four journalists remain in detention, the center said.
It added that restrictions on broadcasting images of living beings have now been enforced in 25 provinces, leading to the closure of at least eight local television stations. Additionally, 11 media outlets and institutions have been shut down, while the licenses of 10 media support organizations have been revoked.
Access to information has been significantly restricted, with many government institutions halting video interviews, the report said. It also highlighted increasing pressure on journalists, limitations on women journalists’ activities, and restrictions on live broadcasts covering certain topics.
Despite a reduction in the number of recorded incidents compared to last year, the center said the overall media environment continues to reflect a deepening crisis.
The Afghanistan Journalists Center called on Taliban authorities to release detained journalists, lift restrictions on media operations, and uphold freedom of expression. It also urged the international community to expand political, financial and technical support for independent media in Afghanistan.
The report stressed that independent media play a vital role in reflecting public voices and warned that restricting them directly limits access to information in society.
