The Taliban have issued a threat to Afghan media, saying journalists will be targeted unless news outlets stop broadcasting what they describe as government propaganda against the militants.
In a statement released on June 24, the group gave Afghan radio stations, TV channels, publications and others a week to cease airing anti-Taliban announcements paid for by the government.
The ads call on citizens to inform authorities if they see any suspicious Taliban activities.
The Taliban, which has targeted media in the past, said that Afghan news outlets that refuse to stop publishing the ads will be considered "military targets."
Nai, an Afghan media-advocacy organization, condemned the Taliban warning and called on the Afghan government to take stronger measures to ensure the safety of Afghan media.
Nai said nine Taliban-related media incidents have taken place since the beginning of the year, with one journalist killed, and one injured.
Taliban Warns Afghan Media Not To Air Government Ads Against Them
- By RFE/RL
Related
Editors' Picks
Afghanistan/Pakistan Trending
1
Kabul On Course To Be World's First Capital To Run Out Of Water
2Hundreds Of Thousands Of Afghans Forced To Leave Iran Amid Crackdown, UN Says
3Final US Report On Afghan Mission Paints Damning Picture
4A Star Gone Missing: Afghan Singer Vanishes In Country Where Music Is Forbidden
5Iran-Israel Conflict Puts Pakistan's Diplomatic Balancing Act To The Test
6Taliban's Closure Of Women's Shelters Leaves Afghan Women Vulnerable To Abuse
7Bad Move: Taliban's Chess Ban Adds To Crackdown On Sports And Pastimes
8US Court Temporarily Halts Bid To End Protection Status For Afghans
9UK Data Leak Spurs Costly Afghan Resettlement And Security Fears
10Taliban Restrictions Blamed For Surge In Suicides Among Afghans
RFE/RL has been declared an "undesirable organization" by the Russian government.
If you are in Russia or the Russia-controlled parts of Ukraine and hold a Russian passport or are a stateless person residing permanently in Russia or the Russia-controlled parts of Ukraine, please note that you could face fines or imprisonment for sharing, liking, commenting on, or saving our content, or for contacting us.
To find out more, click here.