Local sources have informed Afghanistan International that the Taliban intelligence agency has detained Mohammad Ibrahim Mohtaj, a reporter for the local radio station "Mellat Ghag," amidst the ongoing arrests of journalists.
Mohtaj's family and close associates have expressed their concern, stating that they have no information about his current status. According to sources, he was detained four days ago, but the Taliban have not provided any comments on the matter.
A close friend of Mohtaj, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Afghanistan International, "Mohtaj has been missing for four days. We have inquired with the Taliban's security and intelligence agencies, but they are not providing any information."
Mohtaj is known for hosting social and historical programmes on "Mellat Ghag" radio and has conducted several interviews with local Taliban officials.
Approximately two weeks ago, Taliban intelligence forces in Kandahar also detained independent journalist Mohammad Yar Majrooh for unknown reasons. There is no information available about his fate either.
Local sources have indicated that nearly all journalists and media workers in Kandahar, including those active on social media, are under severe pressure and threat from the Taliban. They report that no journalist can broadcast or publish anything without Taliban permission.
The suppression of media and the arrest of journalists have significantly increased during the three years of Taliban rule. The Afghanistan Journalists' Centre has recorded 89 instances of violations against journalists' rights, including 60 threats and 29 arrests.
