RASC News Agency: The Taliban’s Ministry for the Propagation of Virtue and Prevention of Vice has justified its decision to close Arzo Television in Kabul, claiming the measure was necessary to uphold “Islamic values,” prevent media exploitation, and reinforce societal order. Taliban forces, including intelligence operatives, raided the office of Arzo Television on Wednesday, reportedly assaulting staff members and detaining seven employees.
In a statement issued today Thursday, December 5, the ministry alleged that certain individuals had been misusing the television station to engage in activities “incompatible with Islamic principles and national traditions.” Despite these claims, Arzo Television had been operating in compliance with the stringent media regulations imposed by the Taliban, and there is no indication of any misconduct by its staff. The ministry further accused the network of employing “unauthorized individuals, funded by exiled media organizations, to dub immoral and inappropriate serials in violation of Islamic and Afghanistani values.”
However, an anonymous employee of Arzo Television vehemently denied these accusations, stating: “Arzo Television has committed no violations and has not broadcast any inappropriate content. We have strictly adhered to the Taliban’s media policies.” The employee added that the Taliban arbitrarily insulted, humiliated, and detained staff members, using baseless accusations as a pretext to shut down the station. Reports from the scene confirm that Taliban forces subjected Arzo TV employees to physical assault and verbal abuse during the raid, ultimately detaining seven of them.
The Afghanistan Journalists’ Center reported that Taliban officials sealed the station’s office, posting a sign that read: “Closed until further notice due to the broadcasting of immoral and unethical serials.” This is not the first instance of the Taliban targeting media outlets. In recent months, the group has arbitrarily closed down several other media organizations, citing vague allegations, while subjecting journalists to harassment, public humiliation, and, in some cases, imprisonment.
