The United Nations Special Rapporteur on Afghanistan, Richard Bennett, has strongly condemned the arrest of two employees of Radio Begum, describing the move as deeply concerning and calling for their immediate release.
He also urged the Taliban to cease its intimidation and arbitrary detention of journalists.
On Tuesday, the Taliban’s Ministry of Information and Culture ordered the closure of Radio Begum, citing “multiple violations,” including the station’s alleged broadcasting of content for a foreign-based television network and “breaching licensing conditions and regulations.”
Following the shutdown, the station reported that some of its equipment had been confiscated, and two of its employees had been arrested.
The closure and arrests have sparked international condemnation, with media rights organisations demanding the unconditional release of the detained staff and the reinstatement of the station, which is known for its focus on women’s issues.
Bennett reiterated his call for the journalists’ release, warning that the continued intimidation and arbitrary detention of media workers have “devastated the civic space in Afghanistan.”
