Taliban Detains Three Journalists Amid Growing Press-Freedom Concerns

On May 7 and the following days, Taliban intelligence arrested three Kabul-based media workers: TOLOnews presenters Mansoor Niazi and Imran Danish, and Paigard News Agency editor Jawed Niazi. They were taken from the TOLOnews office and Jawed Niazi’s newsroom without public charges; their whereabouts remain unknown.

The Straits Times

Since the Taliban seized power in August 2021, Afghanistan’s media sector has collapsed. Within three months, over 40 % of outlets closed, women were barred from most reporting roles, and the country now ranks among the world’s most dangerous for journalists. Reporters Without Borders placed Afghanistan 175th of 180 nations in its 2026 World Press Freedom Index. The Afghanistan Journalist Center has recorded at least 150 press-freedom violations since May 2025, including 127 threats and 20 arrests.

Taliban Confirm Detention of Two TOLOnews Journalists – KabulNowRights Group Raises Concern Over Taliban's ‘Arbitrary’ Detention of Three Journalists – KabulNowUN Seeks Clarification from Taliban Over Detention of Three JournalistsUsNews and World ReportUNAMA calls on Taliban to clarify detention of journalists

UNAMA issued a statement urging the Taliban to clarify the legal basis for the arrests and reiterating that “a free, independent, and safe press is essential for transparency, accountability, and the well-being of Afghan society.” The Taliban’s Ministry of Information and Culture confirmed the two TOLOnews journalists are under investigation, noting no court decision yet. Amnesty International called the detentions “arbitrary detention and enforced disappearance,” demanding immediate release unless formal charges are filed. Reporters Without Borders cited the World Press Freedom Index to highlight Afghanistan’s deteriorating media environment.

UNAMA calls on Taliban to clarify detention of journalistsUN Seeks Clarification from Taliban Over Detention of Three JournalistsTaliban Confirm Detention of Two TOLOnews Journalists – KabulNowRights Group Raises Concern Over Taliban's ‘Arbitrary’ Detention of Three Journalists – KabulNowUNAMA Raises Alarm Over Taliban Arrests Of Afghan JournalistsThe Straits Times

Human-rights groups condemned the arrests as part of a broader intimidation pattern. Amnesty International warned of possible torture and ill-treatment, urging legal counsel, family contact, and a fair trial. The Afghanistan Journalist Center called the detentions an attack on press freedom and demanded unconditional release.

Rights Group Raises Concern Over Taliban's ‘Arbitrary’ Detention of Three Journalists – KabulNow

UNAMA’s statement did not name the detainees, while TOLOnews identified them as Mansoor Niazi, Imran Danish, and Jawed Niazi. Taliban officials have offered no charge details or location information. Rights monitors note a discrepancy: three arrests are reported, yet at least seven media workers are said to be detained.

UNAMA Raises Alarm Over Taliban Arrests Of Afghan Journalists

• “the de facto authorities to uphold their obligations under international human rights law and ensure that journalists can do their work without fear of intimidation, harassment, or reprisal” — UNAMA

The Straits Times

• “a free, independent, and safe press is essential for transparency, accountability, and the well-being of Afghan society” — UNAMA

UNAMA Raises Alarm Over Taliban Arrests Of Afghan Journalists

• “The arbitrary deprivation of liberty and enforced disappearance raise serious concerns about the safety and well-being of those detained, including the risk of torture and other ill-treatment,” — Amnesty International

Rights Group Raises Concern Over Taliban's ‘Arbitrary’ Detention of Three Journalists – KabulNow

• “In a statement published yesterday (Tuesday, May 12), the ministry said that the case of these journalists is currently under review.” — Taliban Ministry of Information and Culture

Taliban Confirm Detention of Two TOLOnews Journalists – KabulNow

UNAMA has asked the Taliban to disclose legal justifications and permit family contact. The issue is expected to be raised at upcoming UN human-rights sessions, while press-freedom NGOs plan further advocacy for the journalists’ release and broader media reforms.

UN Seeks Clarification from Taliban Over Detention of Three Journalists