As journalists face threats and censorship, the Taliban have learned to use social media to shape stories, attract supporters, and appear legitimate to the world.
Just a few years ago, Afghanistan was known for its lively and free media. Independent news outlets grew, and after years of conflict, people could finally speak openly and debate issues. Both women and men worked together in newsrooms, reporting on corruption, abuse, and giving a voice to overlooked communities.
This progress ended suddenly in August 2021 when the Taliban took control. In just a few months, over half of Afghanistan’s 540 media outlets closed, according to Reporters Without Borders (RSF).
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