Afghan Witness Archives

Media

Mar 31

US-funded local language media at risk of closure

Trump’s funding freeze leaves exiled media scrambling for resources.

Media Terrorism Security Propaganda

Dec 9

ISKP calls for “lone wolf” attacks in Khorasan

First calls for attacks in the territory marks a strategic shift for the group

Disinformation Media

Dec 9

NRF social media campaign seeks support from Trump cabinet picks

Using official channels and unofficial pro-NRF accounts, the group promotes its stance to the U.S. and appeals for tougher anti-Taliban policy

Education Media Propaganda Children

Dec 9

Women and children’s radicalisation under the Taliban administration

Lectures by female scholar and a children’s play among strategies to promote jihadi ideology

Media

Nov 5

Taliban implements ban on living beings in media

Media outlets forced to cease visual content, limiting news coverage to audio and graphics.

Media

Oct 21

Pro-Taliban outlet releases alleged AI-generated audio of former Afghan commander arranging mercenary deal

Clips alleged to show former commander Sadat arranging mercenaries for Ukraine spark controversy, with allegations of AI manipulation.

Media Human Rights

Oct 9

Boy found dead after accusing Taliban members of sexual abuse

Boy allegedly killed by Taliban after accusing multiple commanders of rape in Farah province interrogation video

Arrest Media

Oct 9

Taliban announce tighter controls on media, scholars, and online platforms

Taliban ban TikTok and PUBG, restrict controversial discussions in media and target political analysts

Media Human Rights

Sep 23

Noor Fellowship: meet the fellows and discover their work

Their research offers fresh perspectives on key issues and under-reported stories concerning land rights, media freedom, and women’s digital activism in Afghanistan.

Arrest Media

Sep 12

Social media activists arrested in eastern Afghanistan

In August 2024, the Taliban arrested two social media activists, Khetabullah Bangakh and Abdul Rahman Gulab, for spreading anti-Taliban content. Both were featured in confession videos pledging support to the Taliban.

Media Human Rights Policies and Restrictions

Sep 11

Taliban’s new vice and virtue law targets women, minorities, and media

The Taliban's new vice and virtue law, ratified in July 2024, mandates severe restrictions on women's dress, public behaviour, and transportation, while also imposing limitations on the media and minorities.

Media

Jun 19

ISKP: Use of Generative AI presenters to create newscasts

The recent usage of AI-generated videos to claim ISKP attacks has stirred controversy within pro-IS communities over the religious permissibility of AI technology. Despite increased accessibility to AI tools for propaganda, the isolated efforts and mixed reception suggest AI use in extremist content may remain limited.