The Taliban have abducted journalists more than 250 times in Afghanistan.

(CLO) On November 26, the United Nations mission in Afghanistan stated that the Taliban had arbitrarily detained journalists 256 times since they came to power three years ago, and called on the government to protect the media.

The United Nations Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) and the UN Office for Human Rights say journalists in Afghanistan are working in "challenging conditions".

The UN Secretary-General's Special Representative, Roza Otunbayeva, stated: "Journalists often face ambiguity regarding what they can and cannot report, thus putting them at risk of intimidation and arbitrary arrest for allegedly reporting critically."

Ms. Otunbayeva called on Taliban authorities to ensure the safety of journalists and media workers, and to recognize the important role of women in the media industry.

Taliban members participate in a protest marking the third anniversary of the fall of Kabul, in Kabul, Afghanistan, on August 14. Photo: Reuters

In a response accompanying the report, the Taliban-led Foreign Ministry denied the mass arrests of journalists, asserting that those arrested had violated the law.

The Taliban also claimed that the UN report "does not reflect the reality" and stated that their security forces are working to protect journalists. The Taliban Foreign Ministry also said that women still work in the media industry, but must adhere to religious regulations such as covering their faces and working separately from men.

The Taliban's Foreign Ministry stated that the arrest figures had been "exaggerated" and that the arrests were carried out in accordance with the law. They also listed the violations committed by those arrested, including encouraging anti-government activities...

The Taliban came to power in 2021 after foreign forces withdrew and have vowed to restore security. However, their government has not been officially recognized by any country. Western diplomats explain this as being due to the restrictions the Taliban imposes on women's rights.

Ngoc Anh (according to Reuters)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/lien-hop-quoc-taliban-bat-giu-cac-nha-bao-hon-250-lan-o-afghanistan-post323162.html