Taliban Must Release Radio Free Europe Journalist, Demands Afghanistan Journalists Centre

The Afghanistan Journalists Centre (AFJC) has demanded the immediate and unconditional release of Habib-ur-Rahman Taseer, a journalist working for Radio Free Europe in Afghanistan.

The AFJC revealed in a statement that Taseer was arrested by the Taliban's intelligence agency on April 7 in Ghazni city, and he has been imprisoned ever since.

During his arrest, Taliban’s intelligence agents confiscated Taseer's personal items, including his smartphone. The statement further explained that Taseer faces charges for producing certain local reports for Radio Free Europe, although the specific content of these reports was not disclosed.

A local source in Ghazni informed the centre that Taseer was moved from Taliban’s intelligence detention to prison three days ago, and his case has now been sent to the group’s court.

The centre also noted that Taseer had been experiencing pressure from the Taliban prior to his arrest, and his name had been removed from the local journalist registry.

Expressing serious concerns over the journalist’s arrest and continued detention, the Afghanistan Journalists Centre strongly urged the Taliban to release him promptly.

As of now, Radio Free Europe has not issued an official statement regarding the arrest.

Radio Free Europe, based in the Czech Republic, produces and broadcasts content targeted at audiences in Afghanistan.

Following accusations of "propaganda against the Taliban," the Taliban discontinued the radio frequency of this media outlet in December 2022 and subsequently blocked its website in Afghanistan two months later.

The Afghanistan Journalists Centre reports that currently, at least three journalists are in Taliban custody.

The centre’s records show that in 2023 alone, at least 59 journalists and media workers were detained in Afghanistan.