RASC News Agency: Amid escalating restrictions on the media, Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid reiterated the group’s commitment to freedom of expression and media activities within what he describes as the “principles of Islam.” Mujahid made these remarks on Wednesday, November 13, in Kabul during a meeting with media executives and representatives of journalist support organizations. He stated, “The Taliban recognize the importance of media in today’s world and are fully committed to guaranteeing freedom of expression and media operations within Islamic principles.”
Media representatives in attendance affirmed their compliance with Taliban policies, noting that they strive to curb “negative propaganda” from “foreign” media sources. However, several outlets have recently halted operations due to Taliban restrictions particularly prohibitions on broadcasting images of living beings. Additionally, the Taliban have banned live broadcasts of political programs and introduced their own affiliated commentators as media experts.
In the past week alone, four media outlets in Khost province were pressured to suspend operations temporarily, only to resume broadcasting after Taliban directives were met. Mujahid’s statements on media within “Islamic principles” appear to underscore an ambiguous stance, as there is no historical precedent for media regulations within pre-modern Islamic jurisprudence. Moreover, while the Taliban often refer to Quranic principles to justify their policies, they have at times disregarded explicit Quranic teachings, especially in cases where there is no specific guidance on modern media.
