The BBC has responded to accusations that it made large payments to the Taliban, potentially breaching UK and US sanctions, stating that its transactions with Taliban-controlled national television do not violate any sanctions laws.
In a statement to Afghanistan International, the BBC clarified that UK sanctions apply only to specific individuals and entities within the Taliban, not to all Afghan institutions, such as Radio Television Afghanistan (RTA).
The UK-based investigative news outlet UnHerd reported on Wednesday that the BBC had made substantial payments to the Taliban, raising concerns about possible sanctions violations. The report accused the broadcaster of compromising professional journalism standards to appease the Taliban.
However, the BBC refuted these claims, asserting that its professional integrity remains intact. It stated that payments made were solely for renting space at the national television station to facilitate FM radio broadcasts, ensuring the delivery of “independent and impartial news” across Afghanistan.
The broadcaster also emphasised that it has stringent measures in place to prevent sanctions violations. According to the BBC, UK sanctions do not apply to the Taliban as a whole but rather to specific individuals and organisations.
Responding to allegations that Sirajuddin Haqqani, the Taliban’s Interior Minister, and Mohammad Yousuf Ahmadi, head of Afghanistan’s national broadcaster, are on the sanctions list, the BBC explained that a public entity led by a sanctioned individual is not automatically subject to restrictions.
The BBC stated that its rental payments for FM network operations in Afghanistan were necessary and that it had only rented a small space within the national broadcaster’s premises to house its equipment. It further clarified that security coverage included in the rental agreement was incidental.
The broadcaster reiterated that Afghanistan’s national television network is not subject to UK sanctions.
The BBC also addressed another claim from UnHerd, which reported that Jacky Martens, the BBC’s South Asia Bureau Chief, met with Sirajuddin Haqqani in Kabul in 2022. The BBC stated that it is standard practice for senior BBC managers to engage with political leaders and officials worldwide, including members of the Taliban administration.
In response to UnHerd’s assertion that the BBC had stopped broadcasting Western music to avoid Taliban censorship, the organisation clarified that dedicated music programmes for its Afghan service were discontinued over a decade ago. However, it confirmed that its Nawroz 1403 programme, recorded in London, was broadcast across its radio, television, and digital platforms.
The BBC confirmed that it signed a memorandum of understanding with RTA to continue operations in Afghanistan but insisted that it does not provide any financial support, training, or equipment through BBC Media Action.
The broadcaster acknowledged that, like any organisation operating in Afghanistan, it is required to pay taxes and legal fees such as vehicle registration and permits. However, it stressed that these payments are standard legal obligations and do not amount to a violation of international sanctions.
