a day ago
Taliban bans political debate in free speech crackdown
The Taliban has banned all political debate in Afghanistan's media in a latest crackdown on free speech.
Under the rules, which will deepen the fears of a full return to the regime's repressive past, Afghan media organisations must obtain prior approval from the newly formed Political Program Oversight Committee to publish or air political content.
'Analysis must be approved by the official oversight committee before airing or publication,' the new policy says.
The committee will monitor all political content, conduct legal reviews, issue regular reports, and enforce sanctions against non-compliant media outlets, according to the framework issued by the Taliban's Ministry of Information and Culture.
The rules – framed as Management of Political Programs in Afghanistan – apply to all types of political content published in print, broadcast, digital or social media.
'Recommendations or critiques directed at officials must be respectful, within legal frameworks, and free from defamation or distortion. Analysis must be evidence-based and not rely on unofficial sources,' reads the latest guidelines.
The Taliban warned analysts against presenting views that go against the Taliban's official policies and said they will hold hosts and producers responsible for any content that does not align with them.
Analysts must also hold identification cards issued by the Taliban's Directorate of Broadcast Affairs and are barred from expressing any views that contradict official Taliban policy.
Guest speakers, even from a pre-approved list, require individual approval before every show.
'All analysis must be in accordance with Sharia law, the principles of the Islamic Emirate, and applicable national laws. No content should be anti-Islamic Emirate,' the Taliban said, warning the media that their licences will be revoked if they violate the new regulations.
'Deeply concerned by the Taliban's latest attempt to weaponise the media for political control,' said Lotfullah Najafizada, an Afghan journalist. 'This detailed, five-chapter policy leaves virtually no room for free press.'
The Taliban said the policy aims to improve the quality of political analysis, uphold sharia principles, promote national unity and prevent harmful propaganda.
'It will serve as an effective system for managing political media content in Afghanistan,' it said.
On Aug 17 2021, following the Taliban's shock takeover of Kabul, the regime's spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid, who had been a shadowy figure for years, sought to portray the group as more moderate and progressive than when they imposed a brutal rule in the late 1990s.
He said the Taliban had evolved and that there would be a 'difference when it comes to the actions we are going to take' compared with 20 years ago, while saying the new regime would protect the rights of women and the media.
In reality, the Taliban has regressed.
Since taken power, it has enforced a strict version of Sharia, severely curbing free speech and women's rights.
Public flogging and stoning to death for adultery are common. Women face strict dress codes, bans on education beyond sixth grade, and exclusion from work. The regime has steadily dismantled independent media by shutting media houses, banning women journalists, and detaining media workers.
