Taliban sacks popular woman news anchor in Afghanistan

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<strong>A woman journalist in Afghanistan has been denied entry into her TV station after the takeover of the country by the Taliban following withdrawal of the US troops.</strong></p>
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In a video, which has been posted online, Shabnam Dawran has asked for help. Donning a hijab and displaying her office identity card, Dawran, who is a popular news anchor, said, "our lives are under threat".</p>
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In their earlier regime which was from 1996 to 2001,Taliban had barred women and girls from several walks of life, including school, colleges, offices, etc. This time round they had presented a softer image by claiming that education and work will be open for women, while media independence and freedom was assured.</p>
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Dawran, who has been a scribe for six years working for the Radio Television Afghanistan, which is owned by State, was not allowed entry while her male colleagues were.</p>
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In the video she said: "I didn't give up after the change of system and went to attend my office, but unluckily I was not allowed despite showing my office card. The male employees, those with office cards were allowed to enter the office but I was told that I couldn't continue my duty because the system has been changed."</p>
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She further added in the video a plea to all viewers that, "those who are listening to me, if the world hears me, then please help us as our lives are under threat."</p>
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Miraqa Popal, Editor at Tolo News, a 24×7 news channel in Afghanistan, shared this video and said: "Taliban didn't allow my ex-colleague here in @TOLOnews and famous anchor of the State-owned @rtapashto Shabnam Dawran to start her work today.”</p>
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Taliban didn't allow my ex-colleague here in <a href="https://twitter.com/TOLOnews?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TOLOnews</a> and famous anchor of the State-owned <a href="https://twitter.com/rtapashto?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@rtapashto</a> Shabnam Dawran to start her work today.<br />
" Despite wearing a hijab & carrying correct ID, I was told by Taliban: The regime has changed. Go home"<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Afghanistan?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Afghanistan</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Talban?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Talban</a> <a href="https://t.co/rXK7LWvddX">pic.twitter.com/rXK7LWvddX</a></p>
— Miraqa Popal (@MiraqaPopal) <a href="https://twitter.com/MiraqaPopal/status/1427991271029751812?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 18, 2021</a></blockquote>
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This was shared by Popal on August 18, Wednesday.</p>