In a significant development, a Taliban court in Afghanistan has released French-Afghan journalist Mortaza Behboudi after he was held for 284 days on charges of espionage. This news was announced by Reporters Without Borders, a press freedom group, which is now striving to reunite Behboudi with his wife in Paris. Behboudi was arrested on January 7, just two days after his arrival in Afghanistan for a reporting assignment.

⚡️FINALLY FREE! The Taliban court has just ordered the release of journalist Mortaza Behboudi, after 284 days in detention in Kabul! pic.twitter.com/QEMhx9y4zO

— Rateb Noori (@RatebNoori) October 18, 2023

The journalist has been cleared of all charges, including espionage, by the Taliban court. This comes as a relief for Behboudi and his loved ones, who have endured a painful ordeal during his time in captivity. In recognition of his exceptional reporting, Behboudi was awarded the prestigious Bayeux Prize for War Correspondents last year for his series of reports on life in Afghanistan under Taliban rule. His dedication and bravery in shedding light on the situation in the country have now been acknowledged, bringing an end to his unjust imprisonment.

Reporters Without Borders, tirelessly advocating for press freedom, is now working to facilitate Behboudi's swift reunion with his wife, Alexandra, in Paris. The organization's secretary general, Christophe Deloire, expressed the relief of Behboudi's release, highlighting the end of his painful ordeal. This release marks a positive outcome in a challenging situation, reaffirming the importance of press freedom and ensuring the safety of journalists worldwide. It serves as a reminder of the need to protect journalists who risk their lives to bring crucial information to the public.