Nazira Rashidi, an Afghan female journalist in Kunduz, by the Taliban intelligence services. This action once again highlights the continued systematic suppression of freedom of expression, media, and particularly women journalists in Afghanistan.
The detention of journalists, especially women, is not only a blatant violation of the right to freedom of expression and access to information, but also a direct attack on human dignity, professional security, and the essential role of the media in a healthy society. Journalists should never face threats, detention, or intimidation for performing their professional duties.
Dialogue Hub emphasizes that targeting women journalists is part of a broader policy of excluding women from public, social, and professional life in Afghanistan-policy that can be regarded as a clear example of gender-based apartheid.
Dialogue Hub calls for the following:
- The immediate and unconditional release of Ms. Nazira Rashidi and the assurance of her physical and psychological well-being;
- Immediate access to her family and legal counsel, and an end to the persecution and harassment of journalists, especially Afghan women journalists, both inside and outside Afghanistan;
- Guaranteeing the personal and professional safety of all journalists, particularly
- Respecting Afghanistan’s international obligations regarding human rights and media freedom.
