Federation of Afghan Journalists in Exile Supports Protest by Afghan Journalists in Iran

The Federation of Afghan Journalists in Exile expresses its full support for the protest action launched by Afghan journalists currently residing in Iran and calls on international media support organizations to intervene in ending the state of limbo and uncertainty these journalists are enduring.

Exiled Afghan journalists in Iran are facing numerous challenges, including visa extension issues, unemployment, harassment by local police, fear of deportation, prolonged delays in the processing of their asylum cases, lack of access to healthcare, and the inability of their children to enroll in schools and higher education institutions.

The Federation considers the demands of these journalists to be legitimate and urges the relevant authorities to address their concerns. These journalists were forced to flee Afghanistan following the Taliban’s return to power on August 15, 2021, due to the regime’s brutal repression of media professionals and journalists.

Once again, the Federation calls on governments and organizations that advocate for press freedom to apply pressure on embassies and responsible agencies to accelerate the processing of asylum and relocation cases. Immediate action is needed to ensure that Afghan journalists in Iran receive the necessary support and protection they urgently require.