Resumption of Broadcasting by Two Women and Youth Radio Stations in Afghanistan After Taliban Suspension

Two radio stations for women and youth in Afghanistan, which had their activities suspended by the Taliban government, have resumed broadcasting. The Taliban had previously cited 'unauthorized' content being provided to foreign television channels and 'misuse of licenses' as reasons for the shutdown. The Taliban-controlled Bakhtar News Agency announced on Saturday, March 4, that the activities of 'Radio Begum' and 'Radio Youth' have been renewed. 'Radio Begum' was launched in March 2021, five months before the Taliban regained power, amidst the chaotic withdrawal of American forces from the country. The content provided by 'Radio Begum' was entirely in the hands of women, although male administrative staff were also involved. The Taliban's Ministry of Information and Culture stated that 'Radio Begum' had repeatedly requested to resume its activities, and after the officials' 'commitment' to the authorities, the suspension was lifted. According to Radio Azadi, the Afghanistan branch of Radio Free Europe, this station has apparently 'committed' to producing its programs based on 'journalistic principles and the regulations of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan' and to prevent any future violations. However, it is unclear what the principles and regulations are that the Taliban government expects 'Radio Begum' to adhere to. The Taliban's statement on Saturday accused the station of 'collaborating with sanctioned foreign media,' seemingly referring to the sister network of 'Radio Begum' in Europe. While the Taliban has banned the education of women and girls beyond the sixth grade in the country, the satellite network that is the sister station of 'Radio Begum' operates in France and offers programs for teaching grades seven to twelve. According to Radio Azadi, on February 5, the Taliban entered the office of 'Radio Begum,' confiscated computers, hard drives, and mobile phones of female journalists, and took two male staff members with them. The Taliban's statement regarding the resumption of 'Radio Begum' did not mention the status of the two detained male employees. The suspension of 'Radio Begum' had faced backlash from several international organizations advocating for media and journalists. Since the Taliban's return to power three and a half years ago, women and girls have been deprived of education and work in many professions and public spaces. Many male and female journalists have lost their jobs during the Taliban's return to power, and some have fled to other countries. 'Reporters Without Borders,' a press freedom advocacy organization based in France, ranked Afghanistan 178th out of 180 countries in its latest annual 'World Press Freedom Index' report for 2024, which is 26 places lower than in 2023.