The Committee to Protect Journalists is looking for contributions to its Journalist Assistance program, citing the continuing need in Taliban-controlled Afghanistan.

The program, begun two decades ago, provides "physical, digital, and psychological help, as well as financial support."

The program was tapped big time after the U.S. pulled out of Afghanistan back in August and the Taliban took over the country.

CPJ said it provided direct help to 60 journalists and their families who fled the country, and contributed to "scores" more. It also said there are still "thousands" of emergency requests and grant money going to journalists still in the country.

Also: Verizon Waives Fees for Calls to Afghanistan

Those wishing to help journalists who, as CPJ puts it, "face reprisal for pursuit of the truth," can donate here. ■ 

Verizon said Tuesday (Aug. 24) that it will waive charges for calls from its customers--consumer and business, wireless and landline--to Afghanistan.

The fee break started Tuesday and extends through Sept. 6 as the U.S. tries to evacuate both Americans and Afghans who helped the U.S. during the 20-year war.

"During this time of need, customers need to stay connected with loved ones in Afghanistan," said Ronan Dunne, executive VP and CEO of the Verizon Consumer Group. "Waiving these kinds of calling charges will help them focus on what matters: communicating with family and friends."

Also Read: CPJ: U.S. Must Do More for Afghan Journalists

In addition to not charging for the calls, Verizon will not count any of those minutes toward any time allotments.

According to the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), the Taliban, which have taken control of Afghanistan, have signaled how they expect the media to cover the country.

CPJ's Steven Butler, who is processing journalist requests to get out of the country, said that Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid, in a press conference this week, said the Taliban would allow all media outlets to continue to operate, but on three conditions: 1) "there should be no broadcast that will contradict Islamic values"; 2) they should report impartially: and 3) nobody should air anything "against the national interest," that interest, of course, being determined by the Taliban.

And while the "impartial" condition sounds hopeful, Butler is pessimistic. "Governments use this kind of double talk all over the region and all over the world to find ways to restrict what journalists do," said Butler.

Also Read: CPJ: U.S. Must Do More for Afghan Journalists

Then there is the fact that the situation on the ground already does not match the rhetoric.

During their march on the provinces that have been falling like dominos, the Taliban has closed down media outlets and substituted their own personnel, said Butler.

CPJ Asia research associate Sonali Dhawan said she was in contact with a female journalist who said she has been threatened--she is hiding in a hotel as CPJ works to try to get her out of the country. While CPJ said they would keep her updated on her case, the journalist  responded: “I may not be alive by that time.”

The Committee to Protect Journalists is calling on the U.S. government to do more to protect hundreds of Afghan journalists who could be in danger as the Taliban take over control of the country.

CPJ said that includes ensuring safe passage out of the country and the emergency visas that will be needed. 

"CPJ is deeply concerned for the safety of hundreds of local journalists and media workers who could be targeted by the emerging Taliban regime," the group said Monday (Aug. 16).

The U.S. withdrawal of troops has been a vacuum quickly filled by Taliban fighters, with the capital, Kabul, falling in a matter of days as the U.S. tries to get Americans and endangered Afghans to safety.

Also Read: NAB Decries Recent Attacks on Journalists

“The United States has a special responsibility to Afghan journalists who created a thriving and vibrant information space and covered events in their country for international media,” said CPJ Executive Director Joel Simon in a statement. “The Biden administration can and should do all within its power to protect press freedom and stand up for the rights of the vulnerable Afghan reporters, photographers, and media workers.”

CPJ pointed out that Afghan journalists working with the Washington Post, Wall Street Journal and New York Times had been unable to get a flight out of the country and have called on the Biden Administration to do more to make sure they get out safely.

CPJ pointed out that it has long called for emergency visas for journalists to avoid the need for "improvised responses."

CPJ said it has vetted 45 "high priority" cases--among nearly 300 journalists seeking to leave--involving clear and imminent threat from the Taliban. "Because of the deteriorating security situation at the airport," CPJ said, "only a handful have been able to board a flight to the U.S. or a third country where their visa requests can begin being processed. The vast majority of threatened journalists remain in hiding."

It said another 127 journalists face significant risks. Then there are the 119 affiliated with U.S. news organizations. That does not count family members, CPJ said, adding that it has gotten almost 500 e-mails in the last 24 hours with requests for assistance.