Taliban Detains 3 Journalists in Kabul

Kabul, Afghanistan - Taliban authorities have detained at least three journalists in Kabul on unspecified charges, prompting a statement from the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) urging their protection and the upholding of international human rights standards.

The detainees include Ahmad Jawed Niazi, head of the Kabul-based Paigard News Agency, who was arrested late last Thursday at his office by Taliban intelligence forces, according to the Afghanistan Media Support Organization. Two staff members from TOLOnews, Afghanistan's first 24-hour news channel, Imran Danish and Mansoor Niazi, were also held. The Taliban's Ministry of Information and Culture confirmed the detention of the TOLOnews journalists, stating that their cases are under investigation but providing no details on the charges. TOLOnews reported that security officials promised more information once legal procedures conclude.

UNAMA expressed alarm over the arrests in a statement released Thursday, calling on the de facto authorities to ensure journalists can work without fear of intimidation, harassment or reprisal. "A free, independent, and safe press is essential for transparency,...