The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has made an urgent appeal to the Taliban authorities for the immediate release of Shikib Ahmad Nazari, an Afghan journalist detained since July, following a raid on his office in Kabul. Nazari, who is employed by the Japanese media outlet Nippon TV News, was taken by Taliban intelligence without a warrant, leaving his family and colleagues without any formal explanation or information about his current location.

Beh Lih Yi, CPJ's Asia-Pacific Director, strongly criticized the actions of the Taliban, stating, "They should release the journalist immediately, and stop coercing journalists into making confessions," highlighting the ongoing harsh treatment of the press under their rule. This incident adds to the growing list of repressive actions against journalists since the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan in August 2021.

Human rights organizations, including Human Rights Watch, have repeatedly expressed concerns over the Taliban's restrictions on the media, which they argue not only suppress freedom of expression but also breach Afghans' right to access information — a fundamental human right under international law.

This is not an isolated incident. Since their return to power, the Taliban have imposed severe limitations on Afghan media, prohibiting the broadcast of political and economic content, detaining reporters, and even shutting down several media outlets. These actions have been part of a broader crackdown on various forms of free expression and public dissent.

Moreover, the Taliban's broader human rights violations, particularly against women, have drawn international condemnation. The International Criminal Court recently issued arrest warrants for senior Taliban leaders, charging them with gender-based persecution.

As of now, the Taliban have yet to make any public statements regarding Nazari’s detention. International and local advocacy groups continue to monitor the situation closely, calling for his immediate release and for broader reforms to ensure the safety and freedom of journalists in Afghanistan.