Media Should Refrain from Broadcasting Content Contrary to Islamic Sharia, Says Taliban

The Taliban's Minister of the Propagation of Virtue and Prevention of Vice, Khalid Hanafi, has urged media officials to refrain from activities against "Islamic Sharia and Afghan culture," stating that such actions are unacceptable to the group.

Hanafi emphasised that the media should contribute to the "Islamic education" of the next generation.

Radio Television Afghanistan (RTA), under Taliban control, reported on the meeting between officials from the Taliban's Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue and media representatives in Kabul.

During this meeting, Hanafi reiterated his request for media activities to align with "Islamic Sharia”.

Earlier, Taliban intelligence officials in Parwan instructed the media to implement the "principles of Islamic Sharia and the Islamic Emirate (Taliban)”.

Additionally, the Taliban’s intelligence directorate has warned journalists in other provinces that they will face consequences if they act against Taliban principles.

The Taliban have imposed severe restrictions on media and journalists, enforcing censorship and preventing the unfiltered broadcasting of people's problems.

Over the past three years, the Taliban have shut down some media outlets, harassed, imprisoned, and tortured journalists.

Media support organisations view these actions by the Taliban as violations of freedom of expression and have called on the group to lift the existing restrictions on media and journalists.