Three Afghan journalists have been detained by Afghan intelligence officials in Kabul, according to media support groups, raising fresh concerns about press freedom in Afghanistan.
The detained journalists have been identified as Mansoor Niazi and Imran Danish of TOLOnews, and Jawid Niazi of Paigard News Agency.
Media support groups said the journalists were taken into custody by Afghanistan’s General Directorate of Intelligence in Kabul. The reasons for their detention have not been publicly disclosed.
TOLOnews confirmed that two of its journalists, Imran Danish and Mansoor Niazi, had been detained in Kabul. The broadcaster said Afghan officials told its newsroom that further details would be shared following the completion of relevant legal procedures.
AnewZ contacted Afghan officials in Kabul for comment on the recent arrests. It had not received a response at the time of publication.
Amnesty International said it was deeply concerned by reports of the arrests and the disappearance of the three journalists.
“Amnesty International is deeply concerned by media reports regarding the arbitrary arrest and enforced disappearance of three Afghan journalists.”
The rights group said the case appeared to form part of ongoing pressure on journalists and media workers in Afghanistan.
“These actions appear to be part of a broader and continuing pattern of intimidation and reprisals against journalists and media workers in Afghanistan.”
Amnesty International added: “The Taliban de facto authorities must immediately disclose the fate and whereabouts of Mansoor Niazi, Imran Danish and Jawid Niazi.”
The Afghanistan Journalists Center (AFJC) also condemned what it described as a recent wave of arrests and threats against journalists in Afghanistan.
AFJC said at least three journalists had been detained by the de facto General Directorate of Intelligence in Kabul and that their whereabouts remained unknown.
The organisation called for the immediate and unconditional release of journalists detained for their work.
“Journalists must be able to carry out their work without fear of harassment, intimidation or detention.”
AFJC added that, according to its Press Freedom Tracker, at least seven journalists are currently known to be in detention or serving sentences.
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