AMSO Says Listing Taliban Leader Among Press Freedom Restrictors Is a Step Towards Accountability
The Afghan Media Support Organisation (AMSO) has welcomed the inclusion of Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada on Reporters Without Borders’ 2026 list of individuals and organisations restricting press freedom, describing it as a step towards holding the Taliban accountable.
In a statement on Tuesday, November 3, AMSO said the list, which names 33 individuals and organisations, highlights the widespread restrictions imposed on media freedom in Afghanistan.
The organisation accused the Taliban of systematically suppressing independent journalism through the arrest and intimidation of journalists, censorship, media closures, control of information and exclusion of women from the media sector.
AMSO said restrictions on women journalists silence women’s voices and prevent them from participating in Afghanistan’s public and social life. It also warned that these measures undermine citizens’ access to information.
The organisation called on the international community, media freedom groups and human rights organisations to increase pressure on the Taliban to end the detention of journalists, protect independent media and ensure accountability for abuses against media workers.
Reporters Without Borders announced on November 2 that Akhundzada and US President Donald Trump were among 33 individuals and organisations named for restricting press freedom in 2026.
