Are you really advocates for journalists and the media, or do you only wake up when your interests and relationships require it? If you truly stand with journalists, then why have you remained so silent and indifferent in the face of journalists being arrested, tortured, threatened, suppressed, silenced, and media outlets being shut down?

In recent years and months, journalists in Afghanistan have been arrested, tortured, and threatened one after another. Media outlets have been closed, and the voice of freedom of expression has been silenced. Yet, we heard nothing from you. Why did you not issue such grand statements back then? Why was your voice not raised in protest? Why did you remain silent when journalists were under pressure, facing threats, and being subjected to torture?

But now, when a Taliban official in the field of information and culture has been killed, you have suddenly woken up and begun speaking passionately about human rights, the safety of individuals, and humanitarian values.

It is truly absurd and deeply disappointing that when journalists become victims of repression, you have nothing to say; but when a Taliban official is killed, you suddenly feel compelled to speak out.

This double standard raises a serious question in the minds of the public: Whom exactly do you represent, and whose interests are you pursuing? Do journalists matter to you only when an issue aligns with your interests and relationships?

If you truly consider yourselves a “union that supports journalists,” then you must stand against injustice toward all journalists—not remain silent when journalists are arrested and tortured, only to issue statements when it serves your interests. Support for journalists must not be selective, political, or driven by self-interest.

The journalism community no longer needs slogans and performative statements. Journalists need genuine support, an honest voice, and practical solidarity.

We deeply regret and condemn such a shameful double standard. If you truly support journalists, prove it through your actions. Otherwise, you should honestly explain who this union really represents and what its actual purpose is.

Our question is clear and direct: Are you truly defenders of journalists, or do you only raise your voices when your interests and connections are at stake?