Taliban Cancel Licenses of Ten Media Organizations; Journalists Center Protests.
The Afghanistan Journalists Center announced that the Taliban Ministry of Information and Culture has revoked the licenses of at least ten media and journalism organizations.
The center condemned the move in a statement issued on Monday, (26 January 2026).
It described the decision as a continuation of policies suppressing freedom of expression and restricting the media.
According to the center, most of the organizations whose licenses were revoked had obtained permits before the Taliban takeover.
Despite current restrictions, they were still engaged in training journalists and media workers.
Meanwhile, the Taliban Ministry of Information and Culture said in a notice that its review found some organizations acted “unprofessionally.”
The ministry claimed these organizations created challenges instead of solving problems.
It said the revocation aimed to genuinely support journalists, prevent misuse of their name, and organize media activities.
According to the statement, only three organizations had their licenses renewed.
The rest were revoked due to inactivity or problematic operations.
The names of the revoked or renewed organizations were not disclosed.
The revocations come as the Taliban have restricted or shut down many media outlets since returning to power.
Some journalists had previously accused the Taliban of cooperating with certain entities and arresting journalists.
Media experts and activists warn that the move could further tighten control over Afghanistan’s media space.
They say it could obstruct independent and transparent media activity.
