Afghanistan Peace Campaign
The U.S. Embassy for Afghanistan has underscored press freedom in a fresh note regarding Afghanistan.
The U.S. Embassy Office for Afghanistan, based in Doha, tweeted on Monday, April 29th, on the occasion of World Press Freedom Day: “We must ensure that every opinion is voiced and every perspective is heard.”
Every year, May 3rd is commemorated as World Press Freedom Day.
The U.S. Embassy’s note describes press freedom as vital to society’s vitality and adds, “With press freedom, people can be empowered.”
World Press Freedom Day comes as international institutions say that media remained “vulnerable” in 2023 and that breathing is still difficult for them.
Since the Taliban regained control in August 2021, they’ve clamped down on free media and expression, leading to over 80% of female journalists losing their jobs. Many fled the country, while economic struggles and oppressive policies leftover half of male journalists unemployed.
It’s worth mentioning that three journalists, solely in Khost province, were detained by local authorities on charges of broadcasting music and reaching out to female listeners via radio. They were released after six days.