UNAMA Calls on Taliban to Clarify Arrest of Three Journalists

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The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan, UNAMA, has expressed concern over the arrest of at least three journalists by the Taliban.

In a statement released on Thursday (14 May), the organisation said the journalists had been detained on unclear charges.

UNAMA also expressed concern over reports of mistreatment of journalists and the confiscation of their equipment during Taliban searches.

The organisation called on the Taliban to clarify the legal basis for the arrests and the charges brought against the journalists.

UNAMA also stressed that legal procedures and the rights of detainees must be respected under all circumstances.

The statement said that a free, independent and safe media environment is essential for transparency, accountability and the well being of Afghan society.

UNAMA called on the Taliban to respect international human rights laws and allow journalists to work without fear of threats, harassment or retaliation.

This comes as last week the Taliban arrested Tolo News journalists Imran Danish and Mansoor Niazi, along with Ahmad Jawid Niazi, head of Paygard News Agency, in Kabul.