Two Foreign Journalists Rescued From The Clutches Of The Taliban

Two foreign journalists associated with UNHCR were rescued from the clutches of the Taliban.

Two foreign journalists affiliated with UNHCR, a UN agency working for refugees, have been released from the custody of the ruling Taliban in Afghanistan.

UNHCR tweeted this information.

It said, “Two journalists and Afghan nationals who worked with them in Kabul have been released and we are grateful to those who have helped for this.” We are committed to the people of Afghanistan.

Earlier, while giving information about the news of the detention of both the journalists, UNHCR had also said that along with these journalists many local employees have also been detained.

The agency had said that every effort is being made to rescue them.

Among the detained journalists was Andrew North, who has done a lot of work for the BBC in Afghanistan. His wife had issued an appeal for his release on Twitter.

The incident in Kabul came as US President Joe Biden was about to issue an executive order that would allow US financial institutions access to assets worth nearly 25,000 crores for Afghan aid. There has also been no statement from the Taliban on this.

Afghanistan media industry under the shadow of fear, so far 318 establishments closed in the country, the international organization expressed concern

An international organization of journalists in its report on Thursday expressed concern over the deteriorating condition of the media in Afghanistan during the Taliban regime.

The organization has reported that 318 media establishments in the country have been closed since the Taliban took over Afghanistan.

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) said, ’51 TV channels, 132 radio stations, and 49 online media establishments have ceased to operate.

The biggest setback has been the newspaper industry, of which only 20 of its 114 establishments are functional.

The report said that the number of employed journalists in the country has come down to 2,334 from 5,069 earlier. About 72 percent of women journalists have had to leave their jobs.

Now only 234 women are working in media institutions.

IFJ general secretary Antony Belanger said: “The media outlets and journalists are facing a dire situation because of the harsh reporting restrictions, threats, and the economic downturn.

It not only took away the jobs of journalists but also forced them to migrate. Citizens are also being denied information.