Civic space in Afghanistan is shrinking week by week. The clampdown on criticism of all kinds has deepened in the first quarter of 2022 as the Taliban seeks to re-establish itself in power. The most intolerant factions within the leadership appear to be setting the agenda. Cases of serious human rights violations and suppression of the media by the Taliban are reported on a daily basis. Detentions, harassment and persecution of human rights defenders (HRDs), women human rights defenders (WHRDs), civil society activists, media workers and Taliban critics have increased since January, resulting in a climate of fear and extensive self censorship.
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