RASC News Agency: A human rights organization known as “Rawadari” released a report stating that since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan, the group has imposed extensive restrictions on library activities and publishing institutions across the country. According to the report published on Wednesday, May 1, titled “Restrictions, Repression, and Censorship: The State of Access to Information and Freedom of Expression in Afghanistan,” the Taliban have inspected all private and public libraries in the country.
The report noted that the Taliban have prohibited the distribution, sale, and availability of certain books, periodicals, and literary and artistic works in libraries nationwide. The organization’s findings reveal that the Taliban have banned the printing, sale, and distribution of books related to the Shia community, books printed in Iran, and books concerning religious reform in several provinces.
According to the report, “The Taliban have banned the printing, sale, and distribution of books on the history of Afghanistani ethnic groups and nationalities, books on jihadist leaders and Taliban opponents, as well as books and articles critical of the Taliban and ISIS, and those concerning Salafism across the country.”
Additionally, the Rawadari organization stated in the report that since the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan, they have systematically and deliberately curtailed freedom of expression and access to information in the country.
