An Afghan media support organization says that Ahmad Javid Niazi, head of the “Paygard” news agency in Kabul, has been detained by Taliban intelligence forces. In a statement issued on Friday, 8 May, the organization described Niazi’s detention as a concerning move and a serious obstacle to freedom of expression and media activities. According to the statement, Niazi was arrested on Thursday, 7 May, from his office in Kabul, and no precise information has so far been made available regarding his whereabouts or condition. The organization also referred to the detention of another media official in Logar province, saying that the head of a local radio station had also been arrested several days earlier. Based on information provided by the organization, a number of journalists are currently being held in prison, raising further concerns about the state of media freedom in the country. The organization called on the Taliban to release Ahmad Javid Niazi and other detained journalists as soon as possible. It also urged international organizations to increase efforts in support of journalists’ rights in Afghanistan.
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