Story perspectives

UNAMA, Amnesty Demand Taliban Release Three Journalists

5/15/2026

Summary

UNAMA Urges Release

UNAMA on May 14, 2026 urged the Taliban to justify detaining three journalists and ensure due process.
Amnesty International called the arrests of TOLOnews presenter Mansoor Niazi, Imran Danish, and Paigard editor Jawed Niazi arbitrary and urged the Taliban to release them unless they face criminal charges.
Afghan Journalists’ Committee logged 150 violations since May 2025, with Reporters Without Borders ranking Afghanistan 175th of 180 in its 2026 index.

Summary

Taliban Reviews Detentions

On May 12, Taliban Ministry of Information and Culture said the journalists’ cases were under review and no court ruling existed.
Amnesty International posted on X that detentions were arbitrary, warned of torture, and demanded Taliban disclose journalists’ whereabouts and well-being.
The Afghanistan Journalist Center condemned the arrests as an attack on press freedom, demanded immediate release, and said the media environment has deteriorated since the Taliban’s 2021 return.

History

Historical Context

In September 1996 the Taliban captured Kabul and proclaimed the Islamic Emirate, immediately outlawing most independent media. By 1998 they closed twelve TV stations, leaving only two state-run channels. In 2024 UNAMA, Amnesty International and Reporters Without Borders joined TOLOnews in condemning the Taliban’s renewed detention of three journalists, echoing the earlier pattern of press repression.

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UNAMA Urges Release

UNAMA on May 14, 2026 urged the Taliban to justify detaining three journalists and ensure due process.
Amnesty International called the arrests of TOLOnews presenter Mansoor Niazi, Imran Danish, and Paigard editor Jawed Niazi arbitrary and urged the Taliban to release them unless they face criminal charges.
Afghan Journalists’ Committee logged 150 violations since May 2025, with Reporters Without Borders ranking Afghanistan 175th of 180 in its 2026 index.

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