April 17, 2024
Kabul- The Taliban has suspended the operations of two private TV stations in Kabul, citing their failure to adhere to "national and Islamic values." The Afghanistan Journalists Center strongly condemns the suspension of media outlets, stating that it infringes on the country's mass media laws and is a blatant attempt to suppress freedom of the press, urging for an immediate and unconditional reversal of the decision.
Zabihullah Sadaat, director of Tolonews TV and a member of the Media Complaints and Rights Violations Commission, told AFJC that the commission reviewed the operations of Noor TV and Barya TV in a meeting on April 16. It was decided that the work of both media outlets should be suspended due to failure to adhere "National and Islamic values." The commission also decided to keep both media shut down until their case is heard in court.
According to Sadaat, Noor TV was repeatedly warned for broadcasting music and for female staff not wearing masks, while Barya TV had been receiving warnings for airing Gulbuddin Hekmatyar's comments about the Taliban's relations with the US.
Officials from both Noor TV and Barya TV confirmed to AFJC that their operations were suspended following the Taliban's media violations commission order.
Noor TV, which launched in 2007, is supported by Salahuddin Rabbani, the former foreign affairs minister and leader of the Jamiat-e-Islami party. Barya TV, established in 2019, is owned by Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, the leader of the Hizb-e-Islami party, currently based in Kabul.
The AFJC has strongly condemned the suspension of the two TV stations, asserting that the alleged violations outlined by the media commission fall within the boundaries of the country's mass media law. The AFJC calls for the immediate reopening of both channels, emphasizing that the suspension is a clear violation of freedom of the press.
AFJC also questions the legitimacy of the Media Violations Commission under the media law, suggesting it is being used as a tool to enforce the Taliban's media policies. The commission was disbanded in August 2021 following the collapse of the previous government but was later reestablished by the Taliban with selected members.
The Media Violations Commission was disbanded in August 2021 after the previous government fell but was reinstated by the Taliban with selected members. According to Afghanistan's Media Law, citizens and political parties have the right to establish media outlets. The law also guarantees the media's freedom to carry out their professional duties without interference or threats from officials.