A recent investigative report by UK-based news outlet UnHerd has alleged that the BBC has been making payments to the Taliban for security services and broadcasting access in Afghanistan. The report suggests that these payments, made through BBC Media Action and other channels, could violate UK and US sanctions against the Taliban regime.
UnHerd claims that the BBC’s financial dealings with the Taliban include payments to their security forces to protect broadcasting infrastructure. The British broadcaster has not yet responded to inquiries from Afghanistan International regarding these allegations.
BBC’s Relationship with the Taliban
The report, authored by Ali Hamedani and David Rose, highlights that since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan in 2021, they have intensified restrictions on free speech, reinstated public executions, and enforced strict gender-based discrimination. Despite these actions, the BBC has continued its operations in Afghanistan, raising concerns about its relationship with the militant group.
The investigation also suggests that the BBC has adjusted its editorial policies to avoid antagonizing the Taliban. Allegedly, journalists working for the BBC have been pressured to avoid covering topics that might upset the group.
BBC’s Financial Dealings with Taliban-Controlled Media
UnHerd further claims that the BBC has been making payments to Taliban-controlled Radio Television Afghanistan (RTA) for transmission services, electricity costs, and security expenses. While the broadcaster has not disclosed the exact figures, sources indicate that a significant portion of these payments have gone to Taliban-run agencies.
The report also states that BBC Media Action, the charity wing of the organization, may have transferred up to 60% of its UK and US government funding to the Taliban. These transactions reportedly include Taliban-imposed taxes and operational fees, which could constitute violations of UK law.
Meeting with Taliban Leadership
The report points to a 2022 meeting between BBC South Asia Bureau Chief Jacky Martens and Sirajuddin Haqqani, the Taliban’s Interior Minister and leader of the Haqqani Network. Haqqani, who is on international sanctions lists for terrorism, allegedly discussed BBC’s role in Afghanistan just weeks before the Taliban banned Voice of America and Radio Free Europe. The timing of this meeting has raised concerns over whether the BBC’s relationship with the Taliban influenced its continued presence in the country.
Allegations of Editorial Censorship
UnHerd’s findings indicate that the BBC has stopped playing Western music in its Afghan broadcasts, potentially in compliance with Taliban demands. According to an anonymous BBC journalist, there have been growing instances of internal censorship due to pressure from Taliban officials. The source stated that BBC Afghanistan service journalists have been discouraged from covering anti-Taliban content, while Taliban complaints have led to internal investigations into reporters.
Political and Legal Reactions
Following the publication of UnHerd’s investigation, former US intelligence official Richard Grenell called on Elon Musk to address the issue, highlighting previous US government funding for the BBC. Meanwhile, legal experts warn that BBC’s payments to the Taliban could constitute criminal offenses under UK sanctions laws, especially given the involvement of high-ranking Taliban figures like Haqqani and Qari Mohammad Yousuf Ahmadi.
Despite these allegations, the BBC has defended its presence in Afghanistan, stating that it remains committed to providing independent news coverage. However, the report has intensified debates over media ethics, press freedom, and financial transactions with sanctioned groups.
