Former Nowruz Radio Presenter, Khaled Qaderi, Arrested in Herat Province

March 17, 2022

Herat, Herat Province - The Taliban General Directorate of Intelligence (GDI) in western Herat province has detained Khalid Qaderi, the former presenter of Nowruz Radio. The Afghanistan Journalists Center(AFJC) expresses concern over Qaderi's arrest and calls for his immediate and unconditional release.

According to a source in Herat province, Qaderi was arrested ten days ago by the GDI in Herat city and has been in detention since then. There are indications that his arrest may be linked to critical content he posted on his Facebook page about the Taliban government. However, the local Taliban authorities have not yet commented on the matter.

Nowruz Private Radio, supported by the Afghanistan Institute of Strategic Studies, operated in Herat since September 2020. It was known for its cultural programs and ceased operations a month before the Taliban regained power in August 2021.

The Afghanistan Journalists Center demands the Taliban release Khaled Qaderi immediately and unconditionally, in compliance with Afghan media law. Additionally, AFJC calls on the Taliban to respect the legal rights of journalists and create an environment free from threats and fear, allowing journalists to work freely in accordance with media laws.