Freelance journalist Mohammadyar Majrooh detained in Kandahar

Freelance journalist Mohammadyar Majrooh detained in Kandahar

July 17, 2024

Kandahar - The Afghanistan Journalists Center (AFJC) is deeply concerned following the recent arrest of freelance journalist Mohammadyar Majrooh by Taliban security forces in Kandahar province. AFJC condemns this act and urges for the immediate and unconditional release of the journalist.

According to a journalist in Kandahar who spoke to the AFJC under conditions of anonymity due to fear of reprisal from local Taliban officials, Mohammadyar Majrooh was detained on Saturday, July 12. The reasons for his arrest remain unclear at this time.

A source within the Taliban local administration confirmed the arrest of Majrooh, stating that he was summoned and detained by the Kandahar court. However, specifics regarding the grounds for his arrest were not provided. It is noteworthy that this is not the first time that Mohammadyar Majrooh has faced arrest, as he was previously detained by the provincial branch of the General Directorate of Intelligence (GDI) in February 2023 while working as a reporter for TOLOnews in Kandahar.

AFJC strongly urges the Taliban authorities in Kandahar province to release Mohammadyar Majrooh without further delay and without conditions. Additionally, we call upon the local Taliban administration to handle any complaints from journalists or media outlets through the Media Complaints and Violations Commission and take action in accordance with the Media Law.