RASC News Agency: The Federation of Afghanistani Journalists in Exile has voiced deep concern over the forced deportation of journalists, human rights defenders, and former security personnel from Iran. The federation reports that conditions for Afghanistani migrants in Iran are deteriorating daily, with the expulsion of journalists becoming increasingly likely.
In a statement released on this matter, the federation emphasized that Afghanistan, under Taliban control, is not a safe place for journalists, human rights defenders, civil activists, or former security personnel. The statement highlights that individuals in these sectors do not feel secure in Taliban-administered Afghanistan. Mohammad Raja, a member of the Federation of Afghanistani Journalists in Exile, stated: “We fled our country out of fear of persecution and torture, and now we face the immediate threat of forced expulsion from Iran.”
He added that if deported from Iran, they would face arrest, torture, and other inhumane treatment by the Taliban. Previously, several individuals who returned to Afghanistan from Iran were arrested by the Taliban; some were tortured, and a few were killed. Mr. Raja also criticized the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Iran, saying: “The world has forgotten Afghanistani refugees, especially those at risk.”
Benafsha Zafari, another exiled journalist, noted that the forced deportation of Afghanistani migrants has intensified over the past year. She mentioned that even those with valid residency documents are being expelled. According to her, Afghanistani activists in Iran have been hiding in their homes for fear of forced deportation. Meanwhile, Suweta Gohari, an independent journalist and human rights activist, stated that among those being deported are individuals whose lives are in serious danger.
These journalists stress that if they are deported from Iran, they will face arrest, torture, and persecution. In the past three years, the Taliban have not treated journalists well; many have been arrested, tortured, and some have been killed. It is worth noting that following the collapse of the previous Afghanistan government, millions of people, including human rights activists and journalists, sought refuge in Iran and Pakistan. Now, both Iran and Pakistan have announced plans to deport Afghanistanis without valid residency documents.
