American Journalists In Afghanistan: Navigating A Complex Security Landscape

Afghanistan has been deemed unsafe for journalists, with the country ranked 118th on the World Press Freedom Index in 2017. The Taliban takeover of Afghanistan has put journalists in danger, with the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) fielding requests from 475 journalists seeking to leave the country. The Taliban has been known to target journalists, with threats and attacks increasing since talks began between the Taliban and the Afghan government. The Taliban has also been known to restrict media outlets, with the Afghanistan International broadcaster being boycotted, and Noor and Barya broadcasters being shut down. The US State Department has advised US citizens to not travel to Afghanistan due to the risk of terrorism, kidnapping, and wrongful detention.

The Taliban's threat to journalists

Journalists in Afghanistan have been facing threats, attacks, unlawful detention, and extortion at the hands of the Taliban. The situation has become dire, with a third of journalists leaving the country, and those who remain live in fear of violent assaults and inexplicable detentions.

The Taliban have a history of targeting journalists, particularly women, and trying to control media coverage of their activities. They have engaged in a pattern of threats, intimidation, and violence, using their knowledge of a journalist's work, family, and movements to compel them to self-censor, leave their work, or face violent consequences. This has led to a chilling effect on the media, with many journalists altering their work patterns or leaving the profession altogether.

Since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan in August 2021, they have repeatedly targeted journalists and their families. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) recorded seven incidents of Afghan reporters and photographers being beaten by the Taliban, including serious cases involving female journalist Nahid Bashardost and TOLOnews reporter Ziar Khan Yaad. Yaad and his cameraman were reporting on poverty in Kabul when they were assaulted at gunpoint and had their equipment confiscated.

The Taliban have also raided the homes of journalists and news agency employees. In addition, privately-owned Afghan news organizations have reported daily threats against their journalists. As a result, hundreds of journalists have been evacuated from Kabul, but many remain and fear for their lives.

The situation is particularly dangerous for women journalists, who face threats not only because of their work but also due to their gender. The Taliban have instructed media outlets in Ghazni province that the hosts of entertainment programs should not be women, and that no music should be broadcast. Several prominent women journalists have been forced to give up their profession or leave the country due to direct threats.

The Taliban's actions have undermined hopes for preserving an open society in Afghanistan and protecting freedom of expression and the media. The United Nations and other governments have been urged to publicly press the Taliban leadership to adopt recommendations to protect journalists and provide increased support to independent media organizations and journalists in the country.

The U.S. government has also been called upon to intervene and bring journalists to safety, as an entire generation of reporters is at stake. However, as of December 2023, the U.S. Embassy in Kabul has suspended operations, and the ability to provide emergency consular services to U.S. citizens in Afghanistan is limited.

The US government's role in protecting journalists

The US government has a crucial role to play in protecting journalists, especially in countries like Afghanistan, where the media faces significant threats and dangers. Here are some ways in which the US government can contribute to safeguarding journalists' safety:

Facilitating Safe Passage and Evacuation

During the fall of Afghanistan to the Taliban in 2021, the US government was urged to help evacuate journalists and their families from the country. News organizations and advocacy groups, such as the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), appealed to the Biden administration to ensure the safe passage of journalists and their support staff. This included requests to transport individuals from the civilian to the military side of the Kabul airport and efforts to secure landing places in other countries for journalists and their families. The State Department announced that Afghan journalists employed by US media organizations would receive priority designation for refugee status, but the process required them to reach a third country first, creating challenges and delays.

Extending Visa Programs

Leading US media organizations, with the support of CPJ, advocated for the expansion of the Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) program to include Afghans who worked with US media operations. This program typically applies to Afghans who worked directly for the US government, but extending it to journalists would provide a vital pathway to safety.

Supporting Independent Media

The US government has played a role in fostering independent media in Afghanistan, with organizations like USAID funding and supporting the development of independent news agencies. This has contributed to the proliferation of free press and democratic ideals in the country.

Condemning Attacks on Journalists

The US government, along with the European Union, has condemned attacks on journalists and reaffirmed its commitment to protecting journalists' rights. In a joint statement, Ambassador Mark Gitenstein and Vice President Věra Jourová highlighted the importance of a free and vibrant press for democratic societies. They also emphasized the need to foster an environment that protects journalists from violence and ensures legal frameworks that safeguard their rights.

Providing Financial Support and Insurance

The US government, through USAID, has allocated funds to support independent media in low- and middle-income countries. Additionally, they are launching Reporters Mutual, a global insurance program to cover the costs of defending journalists, civil society activists, and their organizations from defamation and libel lawsuits intended to silence their reporting.

Promoting Media Literacy and Countering Disinformation

As part of its commitment to press freedom, the US government recognizes the importance of promoting media literacy and countering the spread of disinformation. By empowering citizens to discern reliable information, the government strengthens the role of journalists and independent media.

Collaborating with International Partners

The US government works closely with international partners, such as the European Union and organizations like the National Endowment for Democracy and the European Endowment for Democracy, to support democratic actors and create a safer environment for journalists worldwide. This collaboration extends beyond rhetoric and includes joint efforts to address the challenges faced by journalists.

Advocating for Legal Protections

The US government has supported legal frameworks and international laws that protect journalists' rights and safety, such as the Media Freedom Act proposed by the European Commission. These legal protections aim to ensure media plurality and safeguard media independence from political or private interference.

The dangers of being a woman journalist in Afghanistan

Afghanistan has long been one of the most dangerous places in the world for female journalists. Women journalists in the country are at high risk of violence and extremist attacks, particularly from the Taliban and the Islamic State.

The Taliban has a history of threatening and attacking female journalists. They have been known to detain, harass, and intimidate female journalists, often accusing them of being agents of Western countries or corrupted by Western values. In some cases, female journalists have been assaulted, kidnapped, or even killed by Taliban fighters. The group has also been known to target women who challenge perceived social norms by working outside the home and being in public roles.

The Islamic State, also known as ISIS, has also claimed responsibility for attacks on female journalists. In one incident, the group took responsibility for killing four women journalists, including Malala Maiwand, the first woman TV presenter for Enikass News.

Female journalists in Afghanistan face threats not only from insurgent groups but also from men who oppose women working in the media. Sediqa Sherzai, news director of Radio-TV Roshani in Kunduz, said that her female reporters are under constant threat from insurgents and those who oppose women's rights. She also mentioned that during the 2015 Kunduz seizure by insurgents, her station was targeted and their equipment was looted or destroyed.

The situation for female journalists in Afghanistan has worsened with the Taliban's return to power in 2021. Many female journalists have fled the country, fearing for their safety. Those who remain are in hiding, using pseudonyms to conceal their identities.

Despite the dangers, female journalists in Afghanistan remain defiant and committed to sharing the stories of Afghan women. They have created organizations and initiatives, such as Rukhshana Media, to amplify the voices of women in the country. These brave women risk their lives to ensure that the world hears about the struggles and challenges faced by Afghan women, especially under the Taliban rule.

The impact of the US withdrawal on journalism in Afghanistan

The US withdrawal from Afghanistan has had a profound impact on journalism in the country. With the Taliban back in control, journalists face a range of threats to their freedom and safety.

The US withdrawal from Afghanistan in August 2021 marked the end of a 20-year war and resulted in the Taliban regaining control of the country. This has had significant implications for journalism and press freedom in Afghanistan.

Under the Taliban regime, journalists, particularly women, face severe restrictions and dangers. The Taliban has imposed strict rules on how women should dress and behave in public, including a requirement to cover themselves, effectively segregating them from public life. Women journalists have had to adapt to these restrictions while continuing to report, often at great personal risk.

The Taliban has also imposed restrictions on media outlets, banning the playing of music and prohibiting women from working as radio presenters. They have detained and harassed journalists, with reports of beatings and even killings. The Committee to Protect Journalists has documented numerous cases of Taliban authorities detaining and harassing journalists, and in some cases, issuing vague threats against them. The Taliban has also been accused of targeting and assassinating journalists who do not conform to their rules.

The situation has led to a wave of self-censorship among journalists, with many choosing to leave the profession or the country altogether. This brain drain has resulted in a loss of talent and expertise in the Afghan media industry. Those who choose to stay and continue their work face immense challenges and risks.

The US withdrawal has also impacted the safety and security of Afghan journalists who worked with American media organizations. These journalists and their families have become targets for the Taliban and have had to seek refuge or evacuate the country. News organizations have had to make difficult decisions about deploying their journalists and ensuring their safety, often relocating them to safer locations or having them report remotely.

The withdrawal of US troops and the subsequent collapse of the Afghan government have created a power vacuum that the Taliban has been quick to fill. This has resulted in a deterioration of security and an increase in violence, making it even more dangerous for journalists to operate. The Taliban's restrictions and attacks on press freedom have effectively created an "information black hole" in the country.

Overall, the US withdrawal from Afghanistan has had a detrimental effect on journalism in the country. Journalists, especially women, face severe restrictions, harassment, and violence. Many have had to flee or abandon their profession, leading to a loss of talent and expertise. The situation has also made it extremely difficult for news organizations to operate safely and securely, further limiting the flow of information and independent reporting in Afghanistan.

The safety measures journalists can take

Afghanistan has been deemed unsafe for journalists, especially after the Taliban takeover. Journalists, especially women, are at risk of violence, intimidation, kidnapping, hostage-taking, offline and online harassment, enforced disappearances, arbitrary detention, torture, and sexual assault.

Training and Equipment

Journalists should receive intensive training in risk analysis and threat mitigation, first aid, secure communications, conflict-sensitive journalism, media laws, and code of conduct. They should also be equipped with the latest safety equipment, such as bulletproof jackets, helmets, and breathing masks. Additionally, female journalists should be provided with kits containing a morning-after pill, broad-spectrum antibiotics, and a tritherapy kit for emergency anti-HIV treatment.

Teamwork and Supervision

Journalists should not cover dangerous demonstrations alone and should always be accompanied by a colleague to watch their back. Working in teams is crucial in dangerous areas. A team leader should be appointed to manage the equipment, make safety decisions, and ensure that all team members, including locally hired staff, have adequate training and experience. In some cases, a professional security advisor may accompany the team to provide logistical support, such as finding safe accommodation and transportation.

Risk Assessment and Information Sharing

A thorough risk assessment should be conducted for each assignment, evaluating the potential dangers and determining the necessary safety measures. This assessment should be approved by a senior editor and the appropriate regional general manager. Journalists should also have access to up-to-date information and advice on current conflicts, crises, and safety recommendations through secure platforms or blogs.

Debriefing and Psychological Support

Post-assignment debriefings are essential for evaluating the success of safety measures and identifying areas for improvement. These debriefings also allow senior editorial staff to reflect on their responsibilities and ensure the well-being of their team members. Managers should be attentive to signs of post-traumatic stress among journalists returning from dangerous assignments and encourage them to seek psychological support if needed.

Advocacy and Legal Assistance

It is crucial to advocate for safer media working environments and engage with governments to improve laws and understanding of the role of journalists. Journalists should also have access to legal assistance and emergency support services in case of direct threats or violations of their rights.

Frequently asked questions