Director of Khoshhal Radio Station Detained by GDI in Ghazni

Director of Khoshhal Radio Station Detained by GDI in Ghazni

October 2, 2024 

Ghazni, Ghazni Province – The Afghanistan Journalists Center condemns the detention of Hekmat Aryan, the director of Khoshhal private radio station in Ghazni Province, by the Taliban’s Directorate of Intelligence (GDI) and calls for his immediate and unconditional release.

According to a local source, who requested to remain anonymous due to safety concerns, Hekmat Aryan was apprehended on Sunday, September 29, at his office in Ghazni, the provincial capital. The GDI has accused Aryan of discussing past Taliban suicide attacks in an audio recording that was subsequently broadcast by the radio station.

The Taliban’s intelligence agency has deemed this broadcast as disrespectful to Taliban members. However, Aryan's family has rejected these allegations, asserting that his work adheres to journalistic standards and ethics.

Khoshhal Radio Station began operations approximately seven months ago in Ghazni Province.

AFJC stated: “We are gravely concerned that the whereabouts and current situation of Hekmat Aryan have not been disclosed to his family as of the time of this release, which constitutes a violation of their visitation rights.”

AFJC further emphasized: “We call on the Taliban authorities in Ghazi to immediately and unconditionally release Hekmat Aryan and to cease the use of force against journalists. Media workers must be allowed to perform their duties without the fear of arrest, threats, or attacks."