Afghanistan journalists face 205 media freedom violations in 2025

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published 1 hour ago |  JP Asia Desk

An Afghanistan Journalists Center report documents 205 media freedom violations in 2025, underscoring arrests, violence, and censorship that continue to erode independent journalism across the country.

Summary

KABUL — The Afghanistan Journalists Center has reported at least 205 violations against media freedom in Afghanistan during 2025, underscoring a deeply restrictive environment for journalists operating under the country’s current rulers. The findings were published in the organization’s annual report released on December 27.

According to the report, the documented violations include violent incidents against journalists, arrests, direct threats, and multiple forms of censorship imposed on media outlets and reporters. The center said these actions collectively represent a sustained pattern of pressure that has severely constrained independent reporting and public access to information.

Media freedom under sustained pressure

The Afghanistan Journalists Center noted that intimidation of journalists has remained a persistent feature throughout the year, affecting both local and national media organizations. The report describes how restrictions on coverage, combined with the risk of detention or harassment, have contributed to widespread self-censorship within newsrooms.

The center emphasized that these conditions have made it increasingly difficult for journalists to cover sensitive political, social, and human rights issues. In several documented cases, reporters were detained or threatened in connection with their professional work, reinforcing an atmosphere of fear across the media sector.

Impact on independent reporting

The report also highlights the broader implications of these violations for Afghan society, warning that reduced media independence weakens transparency and accountability. With journalists facing heightened risks, the ability of the public to receive verified and diverse information has been significantly curtailed.

The Afghanistan Journalists Center said the cumulative effect of these pressures is a shrinking space for professional journalism, particularly for outlets attempting to operate independently of official narratives. The organization called attention to the long-term consequences for media sustainability and public trust.

Regional and international concerns

The findings add to ongoing concerns raised by international press freedom groups about the state of journalism in Afghanistan. While the report focuses on verified incidents recorded during 2025, it situates these violations within a broader regional and global context of declining press freedom.

The center said its documentation aims to provide an evidence-based record of abuses against journalists and media workers, serving as a reference point for advocacy, policy discussions, and international engagement on media rights in Afghanistan.

KEY POINTS:

• Afghanistan Journalists Center recorded at least 205 media freedom violations in 2025
• Violations included violence, arrests, threats, and censorship of journalists
• The report was published on December 27 as part of the center’s annual review
• Ongoing intimidation has contributed to self-censorship and reduced independent reporting
• The findings highlight serious challenges to access to information in Afghanistan

ATTRIBUTION: Information in this report is based on the Afghanistan Journalists Center's annual media freedom report released on December 27.

PHOTO: AI-generated; for illustrative purposes only