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Taliban Imposes Strict Media Restrictions in Herat, Banning Images of People

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Sunday, January 4th 2026 at 4:03 GMT by ThePrint

Taliban Tightens Grip on Afghan Media: New Restrictions Target Images, Appearance in Herat

The Taliban's already stringent control over the media landscape in Afghanistan has intensified with a new wave of restrictions specifically targeting outlets operating in Herat province, western Afghanistan. These directives, issued by the Ministry for Promoting Virtue and Preventing Vice (MPVPV), go beyond previous limitations on women’s reporting and now encompass sweeping rules regarding visual representation, personal appearance, and even content themes, signaling an escalating effort to enforce a rigid interpretation of Islamic law and suppress any perceived deviation from their ideology.

The core of the new restrictions, as reported by local media outlets like Etilaatroz and Radio Azadi (Radio Free Europe/Radiolibera), prohibits the publication or broadcast of images depicting living beings – including journalists themselves – within Herat province. This effectively bans photographs and video footage of people, regardless of gender. The rationale provided by the MPVPV is rooted in a conservative interpretation of Islamic teachings that discourage the depiction of human forms. While similar concerns have been voiced historically within some Muslim communities, the Taliban’s enforcement represents an extreme application with significant implications for freedom of expression and access to information.

Beyond the image ban, the directives are remarkably detailed and intrusive. Male journalists are now explicitly instructed to grow beards – a visible symbol of adherence to Taliban ideology – and refrain from wearing neckties. This extends beyond simply dictating content; it mandates personal conformity among media professionals. Female journalists, already facing significant limitations on their ability to work, are further restricted by the existing ban on them appearing on screen or reporting independently.

The MPVPV’s justification for these measures centers around maintaining “moral purity” and preventing societal corruption. They claim that such restrictions are necessary to safeguard Afghan culture and values from perceived external influences. However, critics argue that these rules are a blatant attempt to silence dissent, control narratives, and erase any visual representation of Afghan society beyond the Taliban’s preferred image.

The crackdown in Herat is particularly concerning because it represents an escalation of tactics previously employed in other parts of Afghanistan. While restrictions on women's media participation have been widespread since the Taliban takeover in August 2021, the blanket ban on images and the detailed personal appearance guidelines are a new level of control. ThePrint’s article highlights that this isn't an isolated incident; similar, albeit less comprehensive, directives have been implemented elsewhere, demonstrating a pattern of increasing media repression across the country.

The impact of these restrictions is already being felt acutely by journalists in Herat. Etilaatroz, one of the most prominent newspapers affected, has reportedly ceased publishing photographs altogether to comply with the new rules. This creates a significant challenge for newsgathering and dissemination, hindering the ability to accurately document events and provide visual context to stories. The lack of images also makes it difficult to verify information and hold authorities accountable.

Radio Azadi, funded by the US government and known for its critical reporting on the Taliban, has faced persistent harassment and restrictions since the takeover. The new directives in Herat further exacerbate these challenges, making it increasingly difficult for them – and other independent media outlets – to operate effectively. ThePrint’s article references reports of journalists being threatened and intimidated by the MPVPV, creating a climate of fear that discourages critical reporting.

The Taliban's actions are drawing condemnation from international organizations like Reporters Without Borders (RSF), which has consistently ranked Afghanistan low on its Press Freedom Index. RSF and other human rights groups argue that these restrictions violate fundamental freedoms enshrined in international law and impede the ability of Afghan citizens to access diverse perspectives and hold their government accountable. The UN also expressed concern, highlighting the detrimental impact on freedom of expression and media pluralism.

Furthermore, the restrictions are contributing to a broader decline in Afghanistan's already fragile economy. The media sector provides livelihoods for thousands of Afghans, and these limitations are leading to job losses and closures of independent outlets. This economic hardship further destabilizes the country and undermines any potential for sustainable development.

The Taliban’s justification – protecting Afghan culture – rings hollow when considered alongside their systematic dismantling of press freedoms and suppression of diverse voices. The new restrictions in Herat represent a worrying trend, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to ideological purity at the expense of fundamental human rights and a free flow of information. The future of independent media in Afghanistan remains precarious, and these latest measures underscore the urgent need for international pressure and support to protect journalists and uphold freedom of expression within the country.

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