A ban on displaying living creatures has been introduced in 15 provinces of Afghanistan

In Afghanistan, an unprecedented campaign to restrict media freedom is unfolding. According to the Afghan Journalists Center (AFJC), a strict ban on displaying images of living beings in media has already been introduced in 15 provinces of the country, reports TUT.AZ.

The Ministry for the Propagation of Virtue and Prevention of Vice in Bamian province has issued a strict directive, according to which the recording and broadcasting of images of people and animals will be completely prohibited from April 18, 2025. This requirement is based on the law on virtue and prevention of vice, which came into force after the Taliban seized power in 2021.

According to the document examined by AFJC experts, government institutions are obliged to prohibit journalists from taking photographs at any events. The ban also extends to private individuals, who are now forbidden from photographing people. The Center emphasizes that violators will face serious legal proceedings.

In provinces where restrictions have already come into effect, television broadcasting has undergone radical changes. TV channels have essentially turned into radio stations with visual accompaniment: viewers see only landscapes or government buildings on their screens, while news reports are read by an off-screen announcer.