The Nai media organisation said in a statement marking the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists that the Taliban are responsible for the deaths of more than 170 journalists and media workers in Afghanistan over the past 24 years.

The organisation said that, based on data it has gathered in exile, the Taliban are also to blame for the collapse of independent media in Afghanistan.

Nai called on the international community to prevent Taliban representatives, whom it described as responsible for the highest level of violence against journalists in the country’s history, from travelling freely abroad.

It urged all countries that have signed the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and acceded to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights to deny Taliban officials entry to their territories.

According to the statement, Taliban leaders and representatives currently travel freely across many countries in Asia, Europe, and Africa, despite several being listed under United Nations sanctions.

Journalist Mujeeb Khalwatgar said Afghan reporters face serious security threats and fear for their lives under Taliban rule.

In July, Nai said Afghanistan’s media are experiencing the worst period in their history, accusing the Taliban of systematically restricting press freedom and dismantling all previous achievements in the field.