Taliban beat up Afghan reporter in Kabul

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 26 August 2021

Afghan journalist Ziar Khan Yaad was attacked by the Taliban while reporting in Kabul, leading to concerns over press freedom. His equipment was stolen during the incident which is under review by Taliban officials.

Summary

KABUL—Afghan journalist Ziar Khan Yaad associated with Tolo News, was beaten up by the Taliban while reporting in Kabul.

"I was beaten by the Taliban in Kabul's New City while reporting. Cameras, technical equipment, and my personal mobile phone have also been hijacked," the journalist tweeted. According to him, The Taliban came on an armored Land Cruiser and tortured him at gunpoint.

"I still don't know why they behaved like that and suddenly attacked me. The issue has been shared with Taliban leaders; however, the perpetrators have not yet been arrested, which is a serious threat to freedom of expression," he further tweeted. The journalist regretted that some people are spreading fabricated news of his death, which are inaccurate and baseless.

Reportedly, the Taliban have taken notice of the "incident seriously" and "have shared it with the security agencies." The Taliban have also said that they will take necessary action after an investigation.

Photo: Twitter (@ziaryaad)

KEY POINTS:

• Ziar Khan Yaad beaten by Taliban while reporting in Kabul.
• His equipment and phone were stolen during the attack.
• Taliban officials acknowledged the incident and plan to investigate.
• Yaad addressed the false reports of his death on social media.
• The incident raises serious concerns about journalist safety in Afghanistan.