Richard Bennett urges Kabul authorities: Immediately and unconditionally release all detained journalists

Richard Bennett, the UN Special Rapporteur on the human rights situation in Afghanistan, has called on the Kabul authorities to immediately and unconditionally release all detained journalists. Speaking ahead of World Press Freedom Day, he urged the authorities to ensure that media workers can exercise their right to freedom of expression and carry out their work without fear of reprisals, harassment, or arrest.

According to the Afghanistan Journalists Centre, at least 34 cases of journalist detentions were recorded in 2025. The situation is even more difficult for women journalists, who face deep-rooted and discriminatory barriers, including restrictions on movement and mandatory dress codes.

Meanwhile, Afghanistan has experienced an unprecedented decline in press freedom. Based on global media freedom rankings, the country now stands at 175 out of 200 countries.

Since the return of the Kabul authorities to power in August 2021, a large number of journalists have fled the country, several media outlets have shut down, and many of those still operating have increasingly turned into propaganda platforms.

Journalists are also being punished for their activity on social media. So-called criminal court regulations include provisions that effectively criminalize criticism of public and religious figures through vague, subjective, and ideologically defined terms. This has led to further suppression of public debate, widespread self-censorship, and an atmosphere of intimidation affecting not only journalists but also activists, academics, and perceived critics.