The Afghanistan Journalists’ Center has reacted to the enactment of the law on the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice by the caretaker government, stating that this law impacts the activities of female journalists in the media.
In a statement, the center expressed its deep concern regarding the implementation of the new law, which imposes restrictions on media and journalists, and strongly warned about its potential consequences.
It emphasized that the broad scope of these regulations allows officials to monitor the behavior, dress, and appearance of citizens.
The Afghanistan Journalists’ Center added that this law includes both explicit and vague restrictions that can affect the work of media and journalists, particularly female journalists.
The statement mentioned that Article 17 of this law vaguely assigns responsibility to officials to compel media heads to prevent the publication of content that contradicts Sharia and religion, as well as material that may insult or demean Muslims.
It further noted that this ambiguity could lead to various interpretations, potentially resulting in the suppression of free media and journalists.
The center also referred to another clause in this article allowing officials to prevent the publication of materials containing images of living beings, calling it the latest clear directive issued concerning media.
The Afghanistan Journalists’ Center stated that over the past three years, at least 17 directives related to journalists and media have been issued by the caretaker government, significantly limiting the freedom of media and journalists, especially women.
Additionally, it highlighted that Article 29 of this law under “Specific Vices” mandates officials to prevent the misuse of recording devices, radio, and similar items, as well as the creation and viewing of images and videos of living beings on computers, mobile phones, and similar devices.
The center expressed concern that another provision in this article addresses women’s voices or music outside the home or gatherings, labeling them as “specific vices” that must be prevented.
The center emphasized that these restrictions are a continuation of the ongoing suppression of free media that began with the return of the caretaker government to power and have since been communicated and enforced through both verbal and written directives to media and journalists.
The Afghanistan Journalists’ Center stated that these restrictions contradict the country’s media laws, which the current government has also accepted but selectively applies only parts of it.
The center calls on the current government to reconsider its policy towards media and allow journalists and media in Afghanistan to enjoy their fundamental rights in accordance with media laws.
