In a concerning development, Abdul Rahim Mohammadi, an Afghan journalist working for Kabul's Tamadon TV, was reportedly detained by the Taliban’s General Directorate of Intelligence in Kabul.
According to a family member, Mohammadi disappeared last Monday following a summons by the Taliban intelligence agency and has not returned home since.
Whilst Tamadon TV and local journalist support organisations are reportedly working to secure his release, there has been no official acknowledgement of Mohammadi's detention by either Tamadon TV or the Taliban.
This incident highlights the escalating challenges faced by independent media in Afghanistan. Since the Taliban's return to power over two years ago, approximately half of the country's media outlets have ceased operations, and around 70% of media personnel have lost their jobs, as reported by a media support group. This situation underscores the increasing pressure on non-governmental media and their employees in the country.
