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September 23, 2024 – Afghanistan –
The Taliban began jamming broadcasts of Afghanistan International (AITV), a London-based station delivering independent news to Afghan audiences. Starting September 5, Kabul viewers experienced intermittent “no signal” messages, while video evidence confirmed intentional disruption of the station’s satellite feed.
CPJ condemned the move, labeling it “a new low” and urging the Taliban to halt its interference with AITV’s broadcasts. CPJ Program Director Carlos Martínez de la Serna warned that the use of “sophisticated technology” for jamming is alarming and emblematic of expanding efforts to silence independent journalism.
An investigative report by The National revealed that the Taliban likely received technical support from Iran. The group reportedly acquired orbital jamming equipment from Iran, including ground-based transmitters, and used them to block AITV’s signal. A source within Iran International (AITV’s sister channel) confirmed that Iran supplied both the technology and expertise.
Harun Najafizada, AITV’s executive editor, described the jamming as a “desperate attempt to silence the voice of the Afghan people” and part of “a systemic campaign to suppress independent media,” calling Taliban actions “a direct assault on press freedom.”
The U.S. State Department weighed in as well, condemning the jamming and stating that Afghanistan “regressed into one of the most restrictive environments for journalists” under the Taliban.
This incident aligns with a broader pattern: CPJ also reported the Taliban’s ban on live political programming, mandatory pre-approval of guests, and a crackdown on domestic broadcasters. These moves reflect a sustained effort to manipulate information, suppress dissent, and control public discourse.
The Taliban’s satellite jamming of Afghanistan International—apparently backed by Iranian technology—marks an escalation in their strategy to curb independent journalism. With external technical interference, pre-approval mandates, and suppression of critical voices, Afghanistan is emerging as a severely restricted media environment. The actions aim to silence opposition, stifle press freedom, and monopolize the narrative inside the country.
Reference –
https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/asia/2024/09/16/taliban-jams-afghan-tv-station-with-irans-help/
