The Kabul Tribune (KT) — The Afghanistan Media Support Organization (AMSO) has welcomed the release of Pegard News Agency Director Javid Niazi after nearly two months in Taliban custody but said the move is insufficient to safeguard press freedom, calling for the unconditional release of all detained journalists.
In a statement issued Monday, July 6, 2026, AMSO said Niazi was arrested on May 6, 2026, after being summoned by the Taliban's intelligence agency.
The organization said that although Niazi has now been released, several journalists remain in Taliban detention.
AMSO described Niazi's arrest, prosecution and imprisonment as "a clear violation of human rights and the principles of press freedom" and expressed deep concern over the continued arrests, intimidation and restrictions facing journalists in Afghanistan.
The organization said no journalist should face threats, prosecution or imprisonment solely for carrying out their professional duties or under various pretexts.
AMSO called on the Taliban to immediately and unconditionally release all detained journalists and media workers, respect their fundamental rights, including access to legal counsel, fair trial guarantees and workplace safety, and refrain from forcing confessions or taking other actions that violate human rights. It also urged the Taliban to create an environment in which media organizations can operate freely, safely and independently.
Since the Taliban returned to power in August 2021, Afghan journalists and media outlets have faced increasing restrictions, arrests and intimidation, according to Afghan and international press freedom organizations. Rights groups have repeatedly called on the Taliban to uphold freedom of expression and protect journalists from arbitrary detention and harassment.
