In the latest of a series of media shutdowns in Afghanistan, Khost-based radio station Rana Ghag has ended its broadcast on September 22 due to economic crisis under the Taliban regime. The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and its affiliate, the Afghanistan Independent Journalists Union (AIJU), are deeply concerned at the continued shuttering of Afghan media houses and urge the international community to offer increased support to sustain Afghanistan’s vital media industry.
One year on from the Taliban takeover, the South Asia Media Solidarity Network (SAMSN) has today called on governments and the international community to increase support for Afghan journalists and media workers, amid continuing attacks, harassment, censorship, and harsh restrictions on Afghanistan’s media. The region’s media unions urged the Taliban to respect press freedom and ensure the safety and security of all working journalists in Afghanistan.
"There are no one-size-fits-all solutions for enhancing media viability and any workable strategy needs to be tailored to the organisational needs of the partner outlet."
The report is just the latest development in an ongoing anti-Palestinian smear campaign that silences Palestinian voices and restricts freedom of expression, say over 100 rights groups.