UN’s Bennett urges release of detained journalists in Afghanistan on Press Freedom Day

Richard Bennett renewed calls for the immediate and unconditional release of detained journalists in Afghanistan, warning of a deepening media crackdown.

In a statement marking World Press Freedom Day on May 3, he urged authorities to ensure media workers can operate freely without fear of arrest, threats, or harassment.

Bennett said press freedom has significantly deteriorated since the Taliban’s return to power, with independent reporting increasingly restricted under a hostile environment.

He added that journalists now work under constant pressure, while even ordinary reporting can trigger reprisals, particularly on issues related to women’s rights and governance.

The UN expert also warned that citizens speaking to the media face intimidation, surveillance, and detention, further weakening the flow of reliable information.

According to Reporters Without Borders, Afghanistan ranks among the worst countries globally for press freedom, with conditions worsening sharply in recent years.

RSF says many independent outlets have shut down or operate under strict control, while female journalists have been disproportionately affected by bans, restrictions, and forced exclusion from public life.

UNICEF has also warned that broader restrictions on women’s rights in Afghanistan are having long-term social impacts, including limiting women’s participation in public and professional sectors.

Bennett echoed these concerns, noting that female journalists face compounded barriers, including mobility restrictions, dress codes, and shrinking opportunities, pushing many out of the profession.

World Press Freedom Day, observed by the United Nations, highlights the importance of independent journalism and calls for protection of media workers worldwide.

Media watchdogs report increasing censorship, arrests, and surveillance in Afghanistan, creating an environment where independent journalism and public access to information are severely constrained.

Reports warn that continued restrictions risk silencing independent voices in Afghanistan, further isolating the country and limiting transparency and accountability in public life.

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