Taliban Detains Iranian Photojournalist, Raising Concerns about Press Freedom Violations
New York, August 22, 2023 — The Taliban’s recent detention of Iranian photojournalist Mohammad Hossein Velayati has once again sparked concerns about press freedom violations in Afghanistan. Velayati, who works as a photographer for Iran’s Tasnim News Agency, was detained by Taliban authorities on August 19 at Kabul International Airport while boarding a flight to Iran for a personal visit. The reasons behind his detention remain undisclosed, and his whereabouts are unknown.
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has demanded the immediate and unconditional release of Velayati, urging the Taliban to halt their harassment of media personnel. The CPJ’s Asia program coordinator, Beh Lih Yi, emphasized that Velayati’s detention is part of a broader crackdown on the media by the Taliban, which has intensified in recent weeks. It is crucial for the Taliban to clarify the reasons behind Velayati’s detention and put an end to these arbitrary arrests.
Despite a request from the CPJ, Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid has not provided any comment on Velayati’s detention. This silence from the authorities raises concerns about their commitment to press freedom and transparency.
In addition to Velayati, the Taliban has detained at least five other journalists this month, accusing them of working for media outlets based in exile. Furthermore, the authorities have banned women’s voices from broadcasting in Helmand province, adding to the growing concerns about the erosion of media freedom under the Taliban regime.
Since the Taliban’s takeover of Kabul in August 2021, the repression of Afghan media has intensified. On the second anniversary of the group’s return to power, the CPJ called upon the Taliban to fulfill its promise of protecting journalists in Afghanistan and to cease its relentless campaign of intimidation towards the media.
The detention of Mohammad Hossein Velayati serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by journalists operating in Afghanistan. It highlights the urgent need for press freedom and the protection of media personnel in order to ensure a thriving and independent media landscape. The international community and human rights organizations must continue to put pressure on the Taliban to uphold these fundamental rights and allow journalists to report freely and without fear.
