Taliban have banned radio stations from playing music and women from working in media

Several Afghan state television presenters said this week that Taliban fighters were preventing them from working and ordering them to leave the office., as a disturbing sign of the group’s opinion on the role of women in public life.

Shabnam Tower, news anchor for Afghan Radio and Television (RTA) said in a video message a few days ago that it was threatened by Taliban militants when she reported to work.

The group had occupied the building of the RTA in Kabul on Sunday, after seizing power in a rapid offensive.

“They did not allow me to enter, although I had my identity card”Dawran opened up about his attempt to go to work this week. “Male workers were allowed in, but I was threatened. They told me that the regime has changed … our lives are very threatened “.

Dawran’s colleague Khadija Amin, a prominent presenter, also claimed that she was barred from entering the RTA office this week.

“I went to the office but they wouldn’t let me in. Later, other colleagues were also banned from entering “, said Amin, according to the independent Afghan agency ToloNews.

Amin said she and other colleagues spoke with the new RTA director appointed by the Taliban.

“There has been a change in the programs … [y] there are no female presenters or journalists “, noted.

In Ghanzni province, the new authorities women were prohibited from working as presenters and any other radio station. In addition, they have music is prohibited on these stations, according to the Afghan news agency Pajhwok.

That same Saturday a religious edict ordering the suspension of common education for men and women in universities and institutes of the province of Herat, in the west of the country.

The head of the “Education Department” of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, Mullah Farid, argued that the Mixed education had to stop because it was the root of the ills of society.

The Taliban would be ready to to admit that young women are educated as “virtuous teachers” and “old men”. Herat professors have warned that this edict will deprive thousands of women of access to higher education in practice, as there is not enough infrastructure to divide the classes.

The incidents contrast sharply with statements by senior Taliban officials, who said they would allow women to participate in government and public life, unlike what happened during their government between 1996 and 2001.

For private channels, like Tolo and the Ariana TV Network, the situation is still confused. Tolo continues to broadcast news programs and stories with female reporters and presenters, such as Beheshta Arghand, who interviewed a Taliban official live earlier this week.

The Taliban “assured us that we are safe,” Khushal Asefi said, executive vice president of the afghan private broadcaster Ariana Radio and Television Networkreported on Friday Reuters.

“Right now they are telling us that we have no problem, even women journalists can go to television, they can do programs,” she said.

The director of the UNESCO, the United Nations cultural agency, urged the Taliban on Friday to protect journalists and allow the media to operate freely.

“Access to reliable information and open public debate through free and independent media is essential for Afghans to live in the peaceful society they deserve.said the general manager, Audrey Azoulay.

With information from the Washington Post and AFP

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