On July 14, 2024, agents of the Taliban’s General Directorate of Intelligence (GDI) detained Sayed Rahim Saeedi, editor and producer of the YouTube channel ANAR Media, in Afghanistan’s capital Kabul and transferred the journalist to an undisclosed location.
At the same time, GDI agents detained Sayed Waris Saeedi, a reporter at the outlet who is also his son, and the outlet’s camera operator Hasib, who only goes by one name. Hasib and the younger Saeedi were released after two days.
As of late 2024, Saeedi was being held in the GDI prison in Kabul, awaiting trial, a Kabul-based journalist told CPJ on condition of anonymity, citing fear of reprisal. CPJ was unable to determine the charges against Ansary or when he will go on trial.
In the three years since their return to power, the Taliban have embarked on an unprecedented crackdown on the media, with numerous journalists detained, outlets shuttered and banned, and hundreds members of the press forced into exile.
As of late 2024, Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid had not responded to CPJ’s request via messaging app for comment.