Abstract
After years of the tyrannic regime of the Taliban, the establishment of an interim government led to a new era for freedom of speech in Afghanistan. An international community keen to create opportunities, coupled with media law reform brought in by King Zahir Shah, paved the way for free media to flourish.
After Sardar Mohammad Daud Khan’s coup, the fall of Babrak Karmal, the rule of the Mujahideen and the subsequent civil war, freedom of speech had been largely forgotten: only a small number of publications existed and most could not continue due to security concerns. During Taliban rule not a single independent media outlet functioned in the country.
In the last ten years, numerous media outlets have started in Afghanistan. According to local figures, there are currently 47 television stations, 147 radio stations, 24 newspapers, 71 weekly newspapers, 25 magazines and ten news agencies. Exercising one’s right to free expression has become almost commonplace, at least in large cities. Free speech is now enshrined in the country’s media law which, after many amendments, was passed on 5 July 2009. The Ministry of Culture and Information was tasked with developing a legal mechanism to safeguard press freedoms. Freedom of speech for citizens has also been guaranteed in the constitution.
Despite such progress, there remain significant obstacles, including security concerns. In the last ten years, 30 national and international reporters have been killed by local Taliban warlords and other unidentified assailants. Travelling can be dangerous and there is no protection for journalists. At times, government officials attempt to block print and broadcast media. According to local sources, there were 80 cases of violence against journalists in 2011, a 38 per cent increase since 2010. There are no efforts to bring those responsible to account, so that the journalism community works in a state of anxiety. There are also no legal safeguards against the arbitrary arrest of journalists.
As a result, many who may have considered a career in journalism pursue other employment. A low literacy rate, the absence of a newspaper-reading culture and self-censorship all take their toll. There are significant financial difficulties: many newspapers have closed down because they failed to attract advertising revenue, which largely goes to television and electronic media.
Initiatives to support free media in Afghanistan can be compared to a bird with only one wing. The government has failed to bring in much-needed reforms, despite demands from free speech advocates. Many laws are repressive and access to information rights do not exist. Some see free expression as a potential source of instability and a threat to security. In some cases, authorities place strict limitations on the media, waiting for the international community to shift its focus away from Afghanistan before introducing a more thorough form of censorship.
When the media reports on dangerous situations for journalists or, on the rare occasion that those responsible for violence are named, the government either fails to take action or even applies pressure to the media outlet concerned. This has seriously damaged the current political process and the country’s move towards democracy. There is no choice but to strengthen civic freedoms and make them an important and valuable component of our democracy. We must demand commitment from the government – and the international community – to continue development in this area.
After ten years, the time has come to evaluate the situation in Afghanistan. Writers, poets, political activists, intellectuals, local media and the international community must make free speech the accepted norm. We must prevent the government from negotiating with its enemies, particularly with regard to free expression. ❒