KUNDUZ: The Afghanistan Media Support Organization (AMSO) has strongly condemned the arrest of Nazira Rashidi, a female journalist in Kunduz province, and is calling for her immediate and unconditional release. In a statement, the organization stated that Nazira Rashidi was arrested by Taliban intelligence forces in Kunduz city on Tuesday, and has since been taken to an unknown location. No information is currently available regarding her whereabouts or health status. According to Hajera, Nazira Rashidi’s sister, she was in poor health at the time of her arrest, and the family is concerned for her safety and security. The family notes that Rashidi had previously been threatened by unknown individuals due to her journalistic activities. Family members have indicated that Nazira is the primary breadwinner for her family and the sole caretaker of her younger siblings, as well as two children of her own. They stress that she has not engaged in any illegal activities. Hajera mentioned that following the ban on women’s media activities in Kunduz, Nazira Rashidi had been secretly collaborating with some media outlets for a meager salary. AMSO has requested that the Taliban provide clear legal reasons for Nazira Rashidi’s arrest and guarantee the safety of journalists, especially female journalists. The organization has also urged international bodies and human rights organizations to take this case seriously. Local Taliban officials in Kunduz and the Ministry of Information and Culture of the group have not yet commented on the matter. This incident occurred amid a significant restriction on freedom of expression following the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan, with journalists frequently facing arrests and threats.
