Taliban lifts ban on Afghan women-led radio station
What's the story
The Taliban has lifted a three-week ban on Radio Begum, an Afghan radio station run by women. The station confirmed it resumed broadcasting on February 22 after being granted due permission. The ban was first imposed on February 4 after Taliban authorities arrested two employees and accused the station of cooperating with an overseas TV channel.
Ban lift
Radio Begum's suspension lifted after 'repeated' requests
The Information and Culture Ministry said the suspension was lifted after "repeated" requests from Radio Begum to resume its broadcast. The ministry said the station promised to follow certain conditions. The station can continue broadcasting "in accordance with the principles of journalism and the regulations of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, and to avoid any violations in the future," the ministry's statement said.
Media crackdown
Taliban's broader search targets local media outlets
The suspension was part of a wider Taliban government crackdown on local media in Afghanistan, citing "multiple violations." During the raid at Radio Begum's compound in Kabul, officers from the General Directorate of Intelligence, along with representatives from the Ministry of Information and Culture, confiscated computers, hard drives, and phones. Two male employees were detained during the raid, but they weren't senior management at the station.