Afghan women’s radio station to resume broadcasts after Taliban lift suspension

The Taliban’s Information and Culture Ministry stated that Radio Begum had “repeatedly requested” to resume operations and was allowed to do so after pledging to adhere to certain conditions. “The suspension was lifted after the station made commitments to authorities,” the ministry said in a statement issued Saturday night, as reported by AP.

The statement added that Radio Begum committed to conducting broadcasts “in accordance with the principles of journalism and the regulations of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, and to avoid any violations in the future.”

Struggles for press freedom under Taliban rule

Since the Taliban’s return to power, women have been systematically excluded from education beyond grade six, various forms of employment, and many public spaces. The station’s sister satellite channel, Begum TV, operates from France, broadcasting educational content for Afghan students from grades seven to twelve—subjects that the Taliban have banned for girls in Afghanistan.

The Taliban initially did not specify which foreign TV channel Radio Begum had allegedly collaborated with. However, in its latest statement, the ministry mentioned links with “foreign sanctioned media outlets.”

Afghanistan has experienced a dramatic decline in press freedom under the Taliban. Many journalists, especially women, have lost their jobs as the Taliban tighten control over the media.

(With inputs from AP)