Press Statement by the Federation of Afghan Journalists in Exile

The Federation of Afghan Journalists in Exile expresses deep concern over the one-month prison sentence issued against Hikmat Arian, director of the private “Khushhal” Radio in Ghazni province, by the provincial court.

This ruling was issued despite opposition from the Ghazni Intelligence Department, which had demanded a longer prison term for Arian.

Arian was arrested by Ghazni’s intelligence agency on September 30 and accused of insulting the Taliban by broadcasting a voice recording related to a suicide attack, which the Taliban refer to as a “martyrdom operation,” via Khushhal Radio.

However, the management of Khushhal Radio has denied these allegations.

The Federation calls on international organizations and media support groups to pressure the Taliban to unconditionally release Hikmat Arian from detention.

The Federation also condemns such actions by the Taliban as a blatant violation of freedom of expression and deems them harmful to the media community.