DEVELOPMENT OF PRESS FREEDOM IN AFGHANISTAN AND FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION IN THE MEDIA FROM JOURNALISTS' PERSPECTIVE

Abstract

For the freedom of press and expression, all people and journalists worldwide work with all their might to have reasonable freedom of expression and have their voices heard in their countries. They enjoy one of their fundamental rights with this freedom of press and expression. Because of this situation, journalists and the public in Afghanistan constantly criticize the government that in a democratic republic, the government's freedom of the press and expression is severely censored. Therefore, this study aims to examine " Development Of Press Freedom In Afghanistan And Freedom Of Expression In The Media From Journalists' Perspective." Thus, the situation of the press and freedom of expression in Afghanistan was investigated. Furthermore, the restrictions on press, media censorship and freedom of expression applied in Afghanistan were answered through the research. This research applied the qualitative approach.  The study followed the literature review method. In this context, various books, articles in Pashto, Persian and English languages related to press and freedom of expression, press laws and law amendments in Afghanistan were examined and analyzed. The research also has an empirical field section. Interviews were conducted with journalists in Afghanistan to find out the journalists' perspectives on freedom of expression in the media. Afghanistan's freedom of press and expression has been severely censored and suppressed, especially during the Mujahideen and Taliban Islamic Emirate. In the current situation, the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan places more value on the freedom of press and expression. The government's policy towards the press is also lenient, based on the principle of democracy. Afghan journalists are also satisfied with the general policy of the government. They are not satisfied with access to information because some government officials do not provide information on time