Afghanistan: Latest poll reveals 95% journalists are unable to report stories freely

Amid various debates over freedom of expression in Afghanistan after Taliban takeover, a media poll revealed that 95% of journalists in nation have difficulty in accessing information and are unable to report news freely. According to Khaama Press, on Sunday, National Union of Afghanistan's Journalists in Kabul disclosed findings of survey during a press conference, which was carried out in all 34 provinces of Afghanistan and involved 500 Afghan journalists.

Masroor Lutfi, he of Union said, "We asked attendants if media are censored, 90% said yes and only 10% said no, 90% attendants said yes to question of access to information while same percentage said y have been censored by de facto authorities,"  Khaama Press reported.

Findings of survey

According to statistics of survey, 90% of participants of poll are having major difficulties garing information because re is no clear rule of accessing information since Taliban reclaimed power. According to survey, 30% of Afghan journalists claimed it was challenging to interview Taliban officials, while 50% said y h difficulty interviewing ordinary Afghans as well.

Furrmore, Lutfi stated that in provinces, meddling with information and culture ministry in nation is a major issue. Nearly 30% of Afghan journalists felt that refusal to provide interviews by Taliban is a severe concern, while 50% of those who polled claimed that citizens are terrified of situation and are unwilling to give interviews, ANI reported citing Lutfi.

Meanwhile, more than 70% of media outlets have ceased operations since Taliban came to power, as per some media-supporting groups, Tolo News reported. It is worth noting that this media poll took place when Afghan journalists have accused Taliban of restricting, assaulting, harassing, as well as threatening m while reporting stories, particularly during outdoors, Khaama Press reported. 

In dition to this, earlier, in August 2021, female journalists in war-torn nation alleged that Taliban were not allowing m to work. This was contrictory to Taliban's claims that women would be permitted to work in accordance with Sharia law.

Moreover, weeks after Taliban took control of Kabul following dissolution of Afghan government, Fahim Dashti, a prominent journalist and spokesman for anti-Taliban group National Resistance Front of Afghanistan, died during a battle on September 5, 2021.

(Image: AP)