Afghanistan, May 3 -- Richard Bennett renewed calls for the immediate and unconditional release of detained journalists in Afghanistan, warning of a deepening media crackdown.
In a statement marking World Press Freedom Day on May 3, he urged authorities to ensure media workers can operate freely without fear of arrest, threats, or harassment.
Bennett said press freedom has significantly deteriorated since the Taliban's return to power, with independent reporting increasingly restricted under a hostile environment.
He added that journalists now work under constant pressure, while even ordinary reporting can trigger reprisals, particularly on issues related to women's rights and governance.
The UN expert also warned that citizens speaking...