Afghan Witness Archives

Media Religious Freedom Arrests Information environment Taliban

Oct 9

Taliban announce tighter controls on media, scholars, and online platforms

Taliban ban TikTok and PUBG, restrict controversial discussions in media and target political analysts

Information environment Arrests Media Taliban

Sep 12

Social media activists arrested in eastern Afghanistan

In August 2024, the Taliban arrested two social media activists, Khetabullah Bangakh and Abdul Rahman Gulab, for spreading anti-Taliban content. Both were featured in confession videos pledging support to the Taliban.

Violence Arrests Poppy clearance Taliban

May 24

Protests in Badakhshan: Deadly clashes over poppy field destruction

On 3 and 4 May 2024, protests in Badakhshan's Darayim and Argo districts erupted after clashes between locals and Taliban counter-narcotics teams over the destruction of poppy fields, resulting in deaths and ongoing protests despite Taliban attempts to resolve the issue.

Information environment Arrests Media Taliban

May 9

Media environment: Two outlets suspended and other journalists arrested

The Afghan media landscape has been under sustained pressure since the Taliban takeover, with the closure of two TV channels linked to political parties and a series of journalist detentions in recent weeks, indicating the Taliban's ongoing efforts to control the media landscape.

Arrests Hate Speech Violence Women's rights

Apr 22

Rising reports of femicide: new digital map documents cases of violence and repression of Afghan women in ‘public’ roles

Female-led newsroom Zan Times used investigative reporting and open source techniques to document killings, disappearances and arrests of Afghan women.

Arrests Gender-Based Violence Women's rights

Feb 26

Surge in female suicides linked to forced marriages, Taliban violence, and arrests

Documenting 195 cases of suicide since April 2022, AW has observed a rise in female suicides since the Taliban seized power in 2021, and identified a pattern suggesting that ethnic minorities appear to make up a disproportionate share of the reported cases

Media Arrests

Feb 12

Nan FM radio closure highlights media freedom tensions

Targeted intimidation technique or unpaid rent dispute? Conflicting claims regarding the forced closure of Nan FM Radio, Khost, illustrate the Taliban’s tensions with media entities

Arrests Policies and Restrictions

Jan 31

Arrests for violating Taliban Hijab rules cause controversy

The Taliban’s reported detentions for non-compliance with hijab rules have received mixed reactions: contradictory claims from Taliban officials, concern from local groups, and condemnation from international community.

Media Arrests

Sep 1

Reported journalist arrests hit 2023 high as Taliban introduce ID cards

At least 13 journalists were reportedly arrested by the Taliban between July 20 and August 13.

Media Investigations Education Security Public punishments Arrests Violence Women's rights Resistance

Aug 14

Two years of Taliban rule: documenting human rights abuses using open source

Report by Afghan Witness details more than 3,000 claims of human rights violations in Afghanistan under Taliban rule

Information environment Foreign relations Arrests

Jul 3

The arrest and release of pro-Taliban influencer Mobeen Khan

The social media influencer has allegedly been arrested twice, with both occasions coinciding with him making critical comments towards Afghanistan’s neighbours.

Arrests Policies and Restrictions Women in Activism, Media, and Politics

Mar 1

Female protesters detained in Kabul and Takhar

While one of the protesters was reportedly released the next day, women's rights protester Narges Sadat is thought to still be in detention.