KABUL: The Taliban government has suspended the operations of Radio Begum, a Kabul-based radio station known for advocating women's rights and education, citing alleged breaches of media regulations. The Ministry of Information and Culture announced the shutdown on Tuesday, accusing the station of violating broadcasting rules and airing content from foreign networks.
Authorities stated that the suspension would remain in effect while an investigation is conducted, warning that further legal actions could be taken if more serious infractions are found.
Founded by journalist and entrepreneur Hamida Aman on March 8, 2021, Radio Begum operates under the Begum Organization for Women (BOW) and has been a vital source of educational programming, particularly for girls who have been excluded from formal schooling since the Taliban’s return to power in August 2021. The station broadcasts around the clock in Dari and Pashto, reaching a significant portion of the Afghan population.
In March 2024, BOW expanded its educational outreach by launching Begum TV, a Paris-based satellite channel supported in part by the Malala Fund. This initiative offers video courses aligned with Afghanistan’s national curriculum for grades 7 to 12, providing an alternative learning platform for girls barred from schools.
The station's management has yet to issue a formal response to the suspension.
Since regaining control of Afghanistan, the Taliban have enforced strict limitations on the media, shutting down numerous independent outlets and increasing censorship. Journalists, particularly women, face mounting restrictions, harassment, and arrests. International human rights organizations have repeatedly urged the Taliban to uphold press freedom, warning that the country’s growing isolation could have severe consequences.
