Scores of Afghan journalists took refuge in neighboring Pakistan as it became clear the Taliban was not going to live up to its pledge to allow free media. But after a year of living in limbo, nearly 200 of those journalists claim they are getting no help in their efforts to find a permanent home.
In a recent article, well-known Pakistani author Syed Irfan Ashraf drew the attention of the international community toward the Afghan Taliban's treatment of dissidents, journalists, and women. The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (the Afghan Taliban jihadi organization) seized power on August 15, 2021, and is yet to be recognized by the international community.
The Taliban has intensified efforts to suppress peaceful protests and free speech in Afghanistan. Last week, a journalist was brutally assaulted at his home in Kabul, an attack blamed on the militants. This week, two female protesters were reportedly arrested by the Taliban.