Politics Afghanistan: Two radio stations allowed to broadcast again
Two radio stations in Afghanistan have been allowed to resume broadcasting under conditions imposed by the ruling Taliban. The country's Ministry of Information and Culture announced on Saturday that the women's station Radio Begum and the radio station Jawanan for young people would be allowed to resume broadcasting under certain conditions. The Islamist-led authority had accused the stations of misusing their operating licenses and collaborating with banned foreign media.
23.02.2025, 13:53
SDA
Both channels had promised to follow the rules of the Taliban government in their future broadcasts and also to avoid any violations of the rules, it added. The ministry supports Afghan media and journalists as long as they respect the country's Islamic values and interests as well as Afghan culture, it said.
Radios as an educational opportunity for Afghan women
The Taliban had stopped operations at both stations at the beginning of February. The premises of Radio Begum were searched and two male employees were arrested. The station belongs to a non-governmental organization that campaigns for women's rights and operates a sister station in France.
The station in Afghanistan was founded on International Women's Day on March 8, 2021 - five months before the Taliban took power again. Most recently, it had also broadcast educational programs for seventh to twelfth grade - an opportunity for girls and women in the country who have been banned from attending secondary school by those in power.
The Kabul-based station Radio Jawanan, also known as "Youth FM", is aimed at young people in Afghanistan, with a focus on entertainment but also social responsibility.
The Taliban have severely restricted media freedom in the country since taking power again in August 2021. Afghanistan is ranked 178th out of 180 in Reporters Without Borders' press freedom ranking. According to observers, the authoritarian Taliban are trying to create a media landscape that only reflects their views and serves their interests.
