Taliban orders compel female anchors to cover their faces on air, sparking solidarity protests among male journalists in Afghanistan.
In a stark display of control, the Taliban recently mandated that female television anchors in Afghanistan cover their faces while broadcasting, one of many restrictions imposed since their return to power. This latest directive has prompted some male colleagues to don masks in solidarity, underscoring the erosion of press freedom in the country.
Journalism thrives on diverse voices, presenting stories and insights that allow society to understand itself and the world. When freedom of the press is constrained, societies lose more than news—they lose a vital platform for public expression and accountability. The Taliban’s measures are a troubling reminder of the importance of an open press and the risks when that freedom is curtailed.
