Afghan Media Say Taliban are Jailing, Attacking News Crews During Kabul Protests
Voice of America
The Taliban have detained, beaten and threatened several journalists covering protests in Kabul and other districts in Afghanistan, and told some news crews that they need permission to film. TOLOnews cameraperson Wahid Ahmadi was released after being detained for nearly three hours by the Taliban. His camera--with its footage of the protests he was covering--has been returned.#TOLOnews pic.twitter.com/lwB7aEReEZ The history of #Afghanistan journalism always remember the first day of #Taliban cabinet announcement and this photo of @etilaatroz journalists who were tortured by Taliban force. Photo: @yamphoto pic.twitter.com/xGCebQxAuY "One of the Taliban put his foot on my head, crushed my face against the concrete. They kicked me in the head... I thought they were going to kill me,".He asked why he was being beaten, only to be told: "You are lucky you weren't beheaded."https://t.co/k9EKy3iYSK
More than 14 reporters and photographers were detained over two days this week while covering demonstrations for women's rights and protests against Pakistan, according to the Afghan Independent Journalists' Association (AIJA). Journalists, including TOLOnews video operator Wahid Ahmadi, were detained on Tuesday, and a BBC news crew was ordered to stop filming. TOLOnews said on Twitter that Ahmadi had been held for three hours.