RASC News Agency: Local sources in Khost province reported to the media that the Taliban have arrested three journalists. Today, Tuesday, April 23, local sources informed the media that the Taliban detained and imprisoned the three journalists for allegedly making phone calls with women and playing music.
The local sources in Khost confirmed that the three journalists are Ehsanullah Tasal, Mashal Hashemi, and Wahid, who work for the radio stations Iqra, Naz, and Sada-e Mardum. Taliban officials stated that these journalists played music on the radio during Eid and made contact with women in entertainment programs.
The Taliban in Khost confirmed that these individuals were initially summoned to the Department for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice and were then transferred to the police headquarters’ prison in the province upon request. Taliban officials in Khost stated that these journalists will be brought before a criminal court in the coming days for their alleged failure to comply with laws.
So far, journalist advocacy organizations have not responded to the arrest of these journalists. In an official statement, the Taliban police command in Khost prohibited women and girls from having phone contact with media outlets. In an announcement made last October, some private radio stations in Khost were accused of promoting “moral corruption.”
The announcement stated that some girls and women contact audio media outlets during the broadcast of social programs or school lessons, which was deemed to encourage “illicit relationships” and “moral corruption.” The Taliban warned that if this directive is violated, media officials will be summoned and prosecuted.
Since taking control of Afghanistan, the Taliban have arrested, tortured, and killed dozens of journalists for various reasons. The Taliban have previously announced the enforcement of their self-proclaimed laws on media outlets and have imposed complete censorship.
