Taliban Closes Female-Run Radio Station in Afghanistan

The Taliban has closed a women-run radio station in northeastern Afghanistan for broadcasting music during Ramadan. "Sadai Banwan" is the only radio station in Afghanistan managed by women and has been operating for 10 years, employing 8 people, 6 of whom are women. Maazuddin Ahmadi, the director of media and culture in Badakhshan province, stated that "the radio station violated the laws and regulations of the Islamic Emirate several times by broadcasting songs and music during Ramadan, and was closed for this violation." He added, "If this radio station accepts the policy of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan and provides a guarantee not to repeat such acts again, we will allow it to operate again." In response, the station's director, Najia Soroush, denied any violations and claimed that "there was no need for closure," describing the incident as a conspiracy.