THREAD: 1/10
I lived & worked in #Afghanistan for 4 years.
I travelled to most provinces; made dear friends; learned the language.
Right now,I can’t go back. Here’s why:
Over the past years, journos working in AF have largely been operating freely.This has drastically changed.
I lived & worked in #Afghanistan for 4 years.
I travelled to most provinces; made dear friends; learned the language.
Right now,I can’t go back. Here’s why:
Over the past years, journos working in AF have largely been operating freely.This has drastically changed.
2/10
The Taliban contacted me regarding my work.I was told that “relevant [Taliban] departments have a few concerns” & that they want “details.”I was also accused of making allegations when I had clearly stated that it's others making these allegations;I was simply reporting.
The Taliban contacted me regarding my work.I was told that “relevant [Taliban] departments have a few concerns” & that they want “details.”I was also accused of making allegations when I had clearly stated that it's others making these allegations;I was simply reporting.
3/10
Via Whatsapp,they bombarded me with interrogative questions,many of which would have revealed my sources/put ppl in danger.They demanded info on stories:wanted to know names, exact locations,families I spoke to,etc-info that I have,but that isn’t safe to share with them.
Via Whatsapp,they bombarded me with interrogative questions,many of which would have revealed my sources/put ppl in danger.They demanded info on stories:wanted to know names, exact locations,families I spoke to,etc-info that I have,but that isn’t safe to share with them.
4/10
They told me that “the government [Taliban] will be holding all sides accountable from now onwards,and anyone found breaking the law or unable to substantiate reports […]will be dealt with according to the law,which includes cancellation of visas&non-entry to #Afghanistan.
They told me that “the government [Taliban] will be holding all sides accountable from now onwards,and anyone found breaking the law or unable to substantiate reports […]will be dealt with according to the law,which includes cancellation of visas&non-entry to #Afghanistan.
5/10
I told them that I believe sharing my sources compromises my integrity.I strongly believe sharing detailed info with the Taliban-who detain&beat journalists for reporting,& during whose reign many former govt employees went missing,is not just inappropriate,but dangerous.
I told them that I believe sharing my sources compromises my integrity.I strongly believe sharing detailed info with the Taliban-who detain&beat journalists for reporting,& during whose reign many former govt employees went missing,is not just inappropriate,but dangerous.
6/10
I also believe that the relationship between a journalist and a source is always built on trust, and this trust and integrity must be upheld. I stand by what I said/wrote and wouldn’t take a word back.
I also believe that the relationship between a journalist and a source is always built on trust, and this trust and integrity must be upheld. I stand by what I said/wrote and wouldn’t take a word back.
7/10
I've written critically abt US in AF, republic govt,& the Taliban.I’ve had supporters of all of the above try to silence me at times,but only the latter is now trying to actively ensure I no longer work in AF.“Investigations into my reports”are apparently not yet completed.
I've written critically abt US in AF, republic govt,& the Taliban.I’ve had supporters of all of the above try to silence me at times,but only the latter is now trying to actively ensure I no longer work in AF.“Investigations into my reports”are apparently not yet completed.
8/10
I know that I’m not the only journalist who is facing difficulties working in Afghanistan - and of course, above all, I am thinking about my Afghan colleagues who are working under the most trying circumstances; who are now regularly silenced, detained, beaten, tortured.
I know that I’m not the only journalist who is facing difficulties working in Afghanistan - and of course, above all, I am thinking about my Afghan colleagues who are working under the most trying circumstances; who are now regularly silenced, detained, beaten, tortured.
9/10
Many of my dear Afghan colleagues have left their homes for indefinite time periods.Many sought refuge overseas;their loss and pain unbearable.This is my personal story,which I decided to share publicly.Many colleagues are facing similar difficulties;some are facing threats.
Many of my dear Afghan colleagues have left their homes for indefinite time periods.Many sought refuge overseas;their loss and pain unbearable.This is my personal story,which I decided to share publicly.Many colleagues are facing similar difficulties;some are facing threats.
10/10
Those are their stories to tell;I hope some of them one day will. Media in #Afghanistan is no longer free-and without this crucial accountability,Taliban will continue to threaten the lives of many Afghans,including journalists.
#pressfreedom @RSF_en @freepressunltd @CFWIJ
Those are their stories to tell;I hope some of them one day will. Media in #Afghanistan is no longer free-and without this crucial accountability,Taliban will continue to threaten the lives of many Afghans,including journalists.
#pressfreedom @RSF_en @freepressunltd @CFWIJ
Full statement: 
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