The Kabul Tribune (KT) — The Taliban’s de facto authorities must immediately end their “disgraceful smear campaign” against Afghan journalist Mahdi Ansari, who was sentenced to 18 months in prison following what rights advocates have described as a grossly unfair and sham trial, Amnesty International said Saturday.
In a statement, Amnesty International said the Taliban’s
judicial system over the past four years has “become a tool of repression” used
to silence dissenting voices — including journalists, civil society members and
human rights activists — through arbitrary arrests, unlawful imprisonment,
enforced disappearances and forced confessions.
“No journalist should be imprisoned for their work,” the
organization said, calling for Ansari’s “immediate and unconditional release.”
Pending his release, Amnesty International urged the Taliban
authorities to ensure that Ansari is held in conditions that meet international
standards and that he has access to adequate healthcare, legal representation
and regular family visits.
Ansari’s case has drawn international concern as press
freedom continues to erode under Taliban rule. Rights groups say that since the
Taliban seized power in 2021, journalists have faced increasing harassment,
censorship and imprisonment for reporting that challenges the group’s strict
decrees and policies.
