Afghanistan Journalists Center: The Closure of Begum Radio by the Taliban is a Suppression of Free Media

The Afghanistan Journalists Center has strongly condemned the decision of the Taliban’s Ministry of Information and Culture to suspend the operations of the private radio station Begum in Kabul. In a statement released on Tuesday, February 4, the center criticized the shutdown of the radio station based on allegations of multiple violations and producing media content for a foreign television network.

The center emphasized that the closure of Begum Radio is against media laws and is part of the Taliban’s ongoing repressive policies. According to the center, the Taliban’s Ministry of Information and Culture should not impose restrictions on media activities or threaten journalists.

The Afghanistan Journalists Center has described this action by the Taliban as a step toward suppressing free media and has urged the group to reconsider its decision and allow Begum Radio to continue its operations. The center also reported that at least 18 news outlets have been shut down by the Taliban in the past year.

Begum Radio was established on March 8, 2021, with the aim of narrating the struggles and stories of Afghan women and advocating for their rights. It currently amplifies women's voices in more than 12 provinces of the country. Media activists believe that by banning media outlets focused on women, the Taliban aims to silence women's voices.