Taliban impose new restrictions on journalists in Laghman.
Local sources in Laghman province say the Taliban have ordered journalists and media officials to change their appearance in accordance with the group’s interpretation of “sharia.”
According to a new order from the Taliban’s Directorate for Promoting Righteousness and Preventing Evil, journalists must grow beards, wear turbans, and pray five times a day in congregation.
In a statement issued by the Directorate, the media must organize all their broadcasts in accordance with “Islamic Sharia as interpreted by the Taliban Islamic Emirate” and refrain from broadcasting reports or news that the Taliban consider “causing corruption in society.”
The media have also been required to fully comply with the policies and principles set by the group.
These restrictions are part of the Taliban’s widespread pressure on media freedom in Afghanistan. Since the Taliban’s return to power, journalists have faced severe censorship, threats, and increasing pressure.
The Taliban even banned the publication of images of living beings in their Imr-e-Ma’ruf law, a move that has led to the closure or shutdown of many video media outlets in more than 27 provinces of the country.
