Journalists in Khost. Photo courtesy: the Taliban Governor's Office
November 8, 2024
Khost, Khost province – Lawang Radio statoin, located in southeastern Khost province, has been closed by the Virtue and Vice authorities for violating the Taliban's ban on girls calling media outlets and for broadcasting music. This marks the third private radio station to be shut down in Khost within the past week. The Afghanistan Journalists Center (AFJC) expresses deep concern over the closure of the Radio, viewing this action as a blatant violation of media freedom and calls for the immediate and unconditional reopening of the station, as well as an end to the media suppression in the province.
A journalist from Khost, who wished to remain anonymous due to safety concerns, reported that the Lawang Radio office was "sealed and locked" by representatives of the Virtue and Vice department on November 6. A local official confirmed the closure, noting that media outlets in the province had been warned about violations of the music ban. However, he did not specify whether the ban on girls calling media was also a reason for the station's closure.
Another journalist stated that Lawang Radio serves as an educational platform, focusing on programs for schoolgirls who have been deprived of education beyond the sixth grade due to Taliban restrictions. As part of its educational programs, the station allows girls to call in with questions about their lessons.
The shutdown of Lawang Radio is the latest in a series of closures in Khost province. Zhman Radio was closed on November 6 for violating the Taliban's music ban, and Ghargasht Radio was shut down on October 31 for the same reason.
Prior to the closures, a meeting was held on October 26 in Khost with representatives from the departments of Information and Culture, Virtue and Vice, and the department of Intelligence(GDI). During this meeting, media outlets were explicitly warned that all forms of music broadcasting were strictly prohibited. Additionally, the ban on girls calling radio and television stations was officially imposed in Khost on February 24, 2024.
Founded on January 1, 2024, Lawang Radio is an educational station that broadcasts for 18 hours a day and reaches audiences in some neighboring provinces, including Paktia and Paktika.
AFJC reiterates its serious concern over the closure of Lawang Radio by the Taliban's Virtue and Vice authorities. The bans on girls calling media to seek knowledge and the prohibition on broadcasting music represent significant infringements on the fundamental rights of a free media. AFJC warns of the dire consequences these repressive measures could have on media outlets in the province.
We urge the Taliban's decision-making authorities to revoke this order without preconditions and allow Lawang Radio, along with Zhman Radio, to operate freely, without external pressure or fear of repression.
According to the Afghanistan Media Law, which the Taliban government has acknowledged as applicable, journalists and media professionals are entitled to conduct their work freely. Those in charge should not impose restrictions or threats but rather provide support to the media.