Molla Shirin Akhund, a close associate of Taliban leader Molla Hebatullah Akhundzada, was appointed as the acting governor of Kandahar province on May 4, 2023
February 19, 2024
Kandahar - The Afghanistan Journalists Center (AFJC) expresses deep concern over the recent order issued by the Taliban governor in Kandahar, prohibiting photography and filming in official and unofficial meetings involving local officials. This decision is a serious setback for media freedom in the province, resulting in increased self-censorship and restricted access to information.
AFJC has obtained a copy of the order signed by the Taliban acting governor Molla Shirin Akhund on February 18, instructs local and military officials in Kandahar to refrain from allowing photography and filming in their gatherings, urging them to only publish work reports in written or audio form. Journalists in Kandahar have reported that this directive has already led to difficulties in conducting interviews with local officials.
Molla Shirin Akhund, a close associate of Taliban leader Molla Hebatullah Akhundzada, was appointed as the acting governor of Kandahar province on May 4, 2023. This marks the 16th media directives imposed by Taliban officials since the group returned to power in August 2021.
AFJC expresses deep concern over the Taliban governor in Kandahar prohibiting photography and filming in official and unofficial meetings involving local officials, considering it as a backward step. This backward step not only restricts freedom of expression but also promotes self-censorship and severely restricts media access to vital information in the province.
AFJC urgently calls for the immediate reversal of this directive by the Taliban leadership in Kandahar in order to safeguard freedom of speech and uphold the legal rights of journalists in the province. The Taliban government has acknowledged the Afghanistan Media Law, which prohibits any form of interference in media activities, and it is imperative that they adhere to these standards in order to support a free and independent press.