October 14, 2024
Ghazni– Hekmat Aryan, the director of Khushhal private radio in southeastern Ghazni province, has been sentenced to one month in prison by the provincial court, a decision that has drawn strong opposition from the Ghazni Intelligence Department, which is calling for a lengthier sentence. The Afghanistan Journalists Center has expressed profound concern over this verdict and the disturbing interference from the intelligence agency, urging for the immediate and unconditional release of Aryan.
A local journalist, speaking on condition of anonymity for safety reasons, reported that Hekmat Aryan was convicted on allegations of publishing propaganda against the Taliban, based on discussions regarding their operations during the previous republic government. The court indicated that Aryan’s detention period at the Ghazni Intelligence Department (provincial branch of General directorate of Intelligence-GDI) would count towards his sentence, resulting in an additional 15 days in prison.
According to the journalist, a Ghazni Intelligence Department representative expressed dissatisfaction with the court's ruling, claiming that Aryan’s prison term should be extended.
Aryan was arrested on September 29 at his office in Ghazni for allegedly discussing past Taliban suicide attacks—referred to as "martyrdom operations" by the Taliban—during an audio recording broadcast by his station. The Taliban's intelligence agency has labeled this audio recording as disrespectful. In response, Sulaiman Rahel, the news manager of Khushhal Radio, categorically denied these allegations, clarifying that the audio was recorded during the previous government, during a period of conflict between the Taliban and the Afghan government, as well as U.S. and NATO forces. Rahel stated that the content was never aired by Khushhal Radio.
Khushhal radio has operated in Ghazni for approximately seven months, producing programs covering politics, economics, society, culture, and religion.
AFJC strongly condemns the one-month prison sentence imposed on Hekmat Aryan, which followed an unfair trial process. AFJC warns against the ongoing interference from the intelligence department, demands a review of the court's decision, and calls for the dismissal of all charges against Aryan, as well as his immediate and unconditional release.