Taliban morality police in eastern Khost province detained 12 journalists while they were covering a book exhibition, according to the Afghanistan Journalists Center.
The journalists were reportedly detained while carrying out their professional duties at the exhibition. Taliban morality police also confiscated their cameras, with the action reportedly linked to the Taliban’s restrictions on images depicting living beings.
The incident highlights growing concerns among journalists and media organizations over restrictions on photography and visual reporting in Afghanistan. The Taliban have increasingly enforced rules governing the publication and display of images, affecting journalists, media outlets and other professionals who rely on photography and video for their work.
According to the Afghanistan Journalists Center, the 12 journalists were targeted while covering a public cultural event. The confiscation of their cameras could significantly affect their ability to report from the exhibition and carry out their professional responsibilities.
Restrictions on images of living beings have been implemented in several Afghan provinces under Taliban authorities, with morality police tasked with enforcing related rules.
The detention of journalists while covering a book exhibition has raised further concerns about press freedom and the operating environment for media workers in Afghanistan.
The incident comes amid continued reports of restrictions on journalists, including limitations on photography, filming and other forms of visual media. Media rights groups have repeatedly called for greater protection of journalists and the freedom to report without intimidation or interference.