Only Female-Run Radio Station in Afghanistan Closed Down by Taliban

Taliban authorities closed down the only female-run radio station in Afghanistan alleging that it was violating the laws and regulations of the Islamic emirate.

This over-a-decade-old radio station ‘Sadai Banowan’ was alleged to have played music during the holy month of Ramadan, a Taliban official was quoted in a report published by The Guardian.

Head of this radio station, Najia Sorosh refuted the allegations of violating Islamic laws and termed the entire episode a ‘controversy’.

This female-run radion station had eight staff, including six women.

Moezuddin Ahmadi, the director for information and culture in Badakhshan province, said the station had violated the “laws and regulations of the Islamic emirate” several times by broadcasting songs and music during Ramadan and was shuttered because of the breach.

The Taliban takeover in Afghanistan gave way to a wave of new restrictions on women in recent months, like banning women from universities, parks, gyms and public baths.