Disregard for access to information law haunts journalists

KABUL (SW) – With the rise to power of the Taliban, journalists across the country fear for disregard to access to information law.

A number of journalists have criticized the disregard for the access to information law in the country, saying that the media has been strictly controlled following the change of government.

A Baghlan reporter, Najib, said that the Taliban had declared in their first meeting with media officials that media professionals should be working within the framework set by the Islamic Emirate.

According to him, the Taliban have told media officials to publish their news items after the evaluation of the province’s Information and Culture Department, which will prevent the dissemination of information and critical views.

Another reporter, Jan Mohammad, said that the media was now under Taliban control and that radio stations were just broadcasting religious poems in all provinces.

Farhad, another journalist, said that they do not cover many most of thee issues in order to save their lives, and that is why most of the information does not reach the people.

These journalists said the Taliban have only one spokesman, which is often not available to speak, and most of the time reporters’ calls are not answered.

We also tried to include the Taliban’s comments in the report, but to no avail.

It is worth mentioning that more than 15 print, radio and online media outlets operate in Baghlan with more than 100 journalists and employees.

ENDS

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