Afghan Filmmaker freed after 11 months in jail
The Afghan filmmaker was freed after 11 months in jail, following widespread calls for his release from international and media groups.
Amnesty International has announced that Afghan filmmaker and director Seyed Rahim Saeedi was released after spending 11 months in Taliban custody. The organization stressed that he should never have been imprisoned for exercising his right to freedom of expression.
The organization thanked all who supported its “Urgent Action” campaign to secure his release. It emphasized the ongoing need to protect artists and journalists who face oppression worldwide.
Previously, Afghan journalist groups had also called for the immediate release of Saeedi and other detained media workers. According to credible reports, more than 10 journalists remain imprisoned by the Taliban.
Saeedi was arrested on July 24, 2024, alongside his colleagues Seyed Waris Saeedi and Hasib Sadat. While his colleagues were released after one day, Saeedi remained in detention on accusations of “spreading propaganda against the Taliban.”
He was sentenced to three years in prison despite serious health conditions, and was transferred from the intelligence detention center to Pul-e-Charkhi Prison. Saeedi, who had spent over 20 years working in media, was targeted for his film script that highlighted the denial of girls’ education under the Taliban.
International organizations continue to call on the Taliban to respect freedom of expression and immediately free all imprisoned journalists and artists.
Observers warn that suppressing creative voices will only deepen Afghanistan’s isolation and hinder its progress toward education and human rights.
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