The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has called on the Taliban to immediately and unconditionally release Mohammad Rahmati, Director of Tamadon Television, and Mohammad Reza Ehsani, an employee of the station.

In a statement released on Friday, July 3, CPJ also demanded that Tamadon Television be allowed to resume operations and that all restrictions imposed on the broadcaster be lifted.

The organization expressed concern about Rahmati’s health, noting that he suffers from heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure, and should receive urgent medical treatment.

The statement says that arresting journalists and shutting down media outlets pose serious threats to press freedom and the public’s right to information. CPJ urged the Taliban to respect the independence of the media and refrain from putting pressure on journalists and media organizations.

Tamadon Television is one of Afghanistan’s private broadcasters. Its operations have recently been suspended, and reports indicate that several of its employees have been detained.