https://iwpr.net/global-voices/training-new-generation-afghan-journalists
Since the Taliban takeover in Afghanistan in 2021, media freedom has been severely restricted. Journalists face censorship, intimidation, and the threat of violence for reporting anything unsanctioned by the Taliban. Over 80% of female journalists have lost their jobs, and women are banned from higher education, preventing journalists from being trained. In response, the institute for war and peace reporting has created a series of training videos to help Afghan journalists learn basic reporting skills.
This suppression of media directly limits freedom of expression, human rights, and access to unbiased information. Afghanistan is experiencing severe gender based political repression which has long term impacts on women’s independence, participation in society, and representation.
The Taliban Government is likely to continue to censor and surveil journalists in order to maintain power, seeing journalists as a threat to regime legitimacy. Afghan journalists view the IWPR training as essential support, however, they continue to face fear, trauma, and risk. Afghan citizens are becoming increasingly isolated from reliable information, and have to rely heavily on independent media to share their experiences.
Human rights. The restriction of free expression and banning women from education takes away from citizens human rights. Power, the Taliban uses violence and fear to control information and limit dissent. Hard and soft power. Using violence while making the journalists under their control post things supporting the government. A government that silences the media lacks democratic legitimacy. Governance is maintained through coercion rather than consent.