EXCLUSIVE: Afghan journalists begin using fake names as Taliban strengthen control
We've heard how journalists in Kabul now fear for their lives as Taliban militants begin attacking reporters
Last updated 8th Sep 2021
Journalists in Afghanistan are scared to leave their homes and have started putting fake names on their work, we can reveal.
It comes as the Taliban appear to have begun taking a hard line against local reporting on the ground, despite repeated assurances internationally that a free press will be maintained.
We're in regular contact with a journalist called Najib who works in Kabul.
He's told us 14 journalists were arrested by the Taliban yesterday for trying to cover a protest.
"As soon as they (the Taliban) see a camera or mobile they just run after you," he told us.
"Four journalists and cameramen were beaten while two others were detained for a short time, for two or three hours, by the Taliban members while covering a protest in Kabul.
"The journalists wanted to cover the protest which was against the so called Pakistan interference in Afghanistan internal affairs...
"When the Afghan journalists went there to cover the story and the protests they were not allowed by the Taliban."
Najib added there have also been reports that protestors themselves were arrested but this has not been confirmed.
We have seen footage purporting to show Taliban militants attacking journalists and protestors alike.
It shows men armed with assault rifles hitting people and chasing after them in the street.
We have also seen photos of injuries, which Najib tells us were inflicted during the attack.
"Now it has become too difficult to work in Kabul," he said.
"Taliban officials have repeatedly said there will not be any problems for journalists to cover stories outside but you know, actions speak louder than words."
Najib has said he is now actively looking to leave the country saying he is scared to continue working, but so far he has been unable to secure a visa.
"We are working here online from our homes and even we do not write our names (on their articles)," he said.
"When you go to the scene it is just like, a matter of life and death."
In a statement the Home Office says they are creating an Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme which will allow up to 20,000 Afghans to move to the UK.
“This will include Afghans who have contributed to civil society or who face a particular risk from the Taliban, for example, because of their role in standing up for democracy and human rights, or because of their gender, sexuality or religion," a spokesperson told us.
We have however, been given no specifics regarding a timescale for its creation, or any detail on how Afghans will be able to apply.