Human Rights Watch Marks Press Freedom Day, Urges Protection of Journalists in Afghanistan

Human Rights Watch issued a statement on World Press Freedom Day declaring that journalism is not a crime and calling on governments worldwide to safeguard freedom of expression amid increasing restrictions on media professionals. The international advocacy organization emphasized that press freedom remains under threat globally and urged authorities to uphold international standards for the protection of journalists.

In Afghanistan, the statement highlighted the deteriorating conditions for media workers since the Taliban returned to power. The group noted that strict media censorship has been enforced across the country, resulting in the imprisonment of dozens of journalists. According to the organization, four reporters—Bashir Hatef, Shakib Nazari, Hamid Farhadi, and Abuzar Sarem—remain in detention.

Data from the Afghanistan Journalists Center indicates that at least 150 cases involving violations of media freedom and journalists’ rights have been documented over the past year. Human Rights Watch stressed that these restrictions and detentions contravene fundamental rights to information and expression. The organization called on Afghan authorities to release detained media workers, end arbitrary censorship, and ensure that journalists can operate without fear of reprisal or legal persecution.

The remarks coincide with annual global observances of press freedom, which aim to highlight the importance of independent media and the safety of those who report the news. Advocacy groups continue to monitor the situation in Afghanistan, urging both local and international stakeholders to prioritize the protection of journalistic work and the free flow of information.