Taliban Detain Female Journalist and Colleagues Covering Ashura Ceremony in Kabul

A female journalist and her colleagues were detained by the Taliban while covering the Ashura ceremony on a street in Kabul.

The journalists were held until evening and released after several hours following mediation by media officials and family members.

The female journalist was subjected to inappropriate, threatening and intimidating treatment, with authorities citing the presence of an unrelated male cameraman as justification.

The Afghanistan Media Support Organization expressed concern over increasing restrictions on journalists covering Shia religious ceremonies, saying the measures violate freedom of expression and contribute to self-censorship, especially among female journalists who face additional threats.

The organization noted that other journalists have also been systematically prevented from covering such events.