Sources familiar with the matter have confirmed that Mohammad Rahmati, the director of the private Tamadon TV network, and Mohammad Reza Ehsani, an employee of the channel, have been released from Taliban custody. The two journalists were detained in early Saratan on the orders of Abdul Hakim Sharae, the Taliban’s Minister of Justice.
According to sources, Sirajuddin Haqqani, the Taliban’s Minister of Interior, instructed the group’s governor in Kabul to release the two journalists. The Taliban have not yet issued an official statement regarding the matter.
On 2 Saratan of the current year, Taliban forces raided the headquarters of Tamadon TV in Kabul on the orders of the group’s Minister of Justice and halted the network’s broadcasts. Following the raid, Mohammad Rahmati and Mohammad Reza Ehsani were detained and transferred to the Kabul provincial detention facility.
The Taliban have not publicly disclosed the official reason for the detention of the two journalists. According to sources, Mohammad Rahmati and Mohammad Reza Ehsani were released from prison on 14 Saratan.
Previously, informed sources said that Mohammad Rahmati suffers from heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure, and that his health condition had been a concern during his detention. The sources added that he did not have adequate access to medication and medical care while in custody.
In Jawza 1403, the Taliban’s Ministry of Justice announced that the operations of the private Tamadon TV network would be suspended, citing what it described as the channel’s affiliation with the Hezb-e Harakat-e Islami party and its use of government land that had been “usurped.” The ministry also stated that media outlets affiliated with political parties in Afghanistan would not be permitted to operate.
Writer:Salima Aryaei
