Kabul, January 26, 2024- Nai, the organization supporting Open Media in Afghanistan, made an announcement stating its temporary suspension of activities within the country. Additionally, they disclosed the closure of their office, attributing this decision to the prevailing situation.
In a video message on January 25, Abdul Mujeeb Khelwatgar, executive director of Nai, explained, "In light of the political situation and unfavorable conditions in Afghanistan, we have made the difficult decision to temporarily halt Nai's operations within the country."
Khelwatgar further stated, "We remain hopeful that, in the future, as the political and social conditions in Afghanistan improve, we will be able to resume the important work we have been doing."
Khelwatgar pointed out that the reason for this decision will be shared with the media later. According to the executive head of Nai, after the publication of this video message, no person can represent Nai either in real or legal form.
Expressing his disappointment with the suspension of Nai's work, Ahmad Quraishi, the executive head of the Afghanistan Journalists Center (AFJC), remarked, "Given Nai's extensive history of supporting journalists and promoting a free media in Afghanistan, the temporary suspension of its activities is a significant loss for the media community in our country."
Quraishi further voiced his hopes, saying, "We look forward to the swift resumption of Nai's vital work and trust that the necessary conditions will be established to allow this organization, alongside other entities working towards the same goal, to continue supporting journalists and fostering a free media in Afghanistan."
Established in Kabul in 2005, Nai has collaborated with various international organizations over the past 18 years to provide support to journalists and promote a free media in Afghanistan. This support has included journalistic training and legal assistance for members of the media community. However, following the fall of the republic government and the subsequent return of the Taliban to power in August 2021, senior officials of Nai were compelled to leave the country, and the organization's activities have been significantly constrained as a result of the Taliban's media policies.