Concerns are on the rise about restriction of freedom of speech in Afghanistan, with allegations of issuance of gag orders by government to some its critics and political opponents. In response to the issue, former president Hamid Karzai told a press conference on Monday that the freedom of expression as one of the main hard-fought gains of the past 18 years had been under serious threat over the last three years. He called on the international community, particularly the United States and the European Union, to fight for and support the protection of freedom of speech in Afghanistan. Hamid Karzai revealed that the government has allegedly made direct threats to individuals who are speaking and advocating for peace in the light of their right to free expression.
There is a popular saying that “Democracy Dies in Darkness,” and freedom of speech is the light of democratic regimes. No government seeking to restrict free expression can claim to be a democratic and representative dispensation. With freedom of speech, citizens in democratic societies hold their governments accountable and criticize them for their failures and shortcomings. Those who have no tolerance of criticism of their actions are not considered suitable for leadership in democracies.
The threat to freedom of speech is a serious concern. The international community, which describes free speech as the greatest achievement of its presence in Afghanistan over the last two decades, must not downplay this threat. If the world truly wants Afghanistan to have a democratic regime, one in which real power lies with the people, it has to speak out against the rising challenges before the freedom of speech in Afghanistan. This is the common gain of Afghan government and the international community, so is their shared responsibility to protect. People and the international community should work together to preserve and protect this human right, which is also enshrined in Afghanistan’s Constitution and is crucial for the future of democracy in the country, from any kind of breach and infringement. By respecting the country’s constitution, Afghan government should also eschew actions that would limit freedom of speech and give political opposition the color of enmity.
