The United Nations and rights groups say Afghanistan’s Taliban authorities have detained at least three journalists on undisclosed charges in recent days.

The U.N. mission in Afghanistan expressed “serious concern” Thursday over the detentions, as well as over “reports of assaults against journalists and confiscation of property during search operations by the de facto authorities.”

Since the Taliban seized power in 2021, Afghanistan ranks among the worst countries in the world in terms of press freedom, with the 2026 index from Reporters without Borders ranking it 175 out of 180.

“A free, independent, and safe press is essential for transparency, accountability, and the well-being of Afghan society,” the U.N.…