Allegations Involving an Afghan Child Journalist: The Need for Independent Verification and Attention to German LawIn recent days, allegations have circulated on social media By Masood Rustami

Masood Rastumi ,masoud.rostami an Afghan TikToker reportedly living outside Afghanistan. According to these claims, Rastumi allegedly accused an Afghan child journalist who is currently engaged in media activities in Kabul of having been sexually assaulted by the Taliban.**Important:** These allegations have not been independently verified through

reliable sources. Therefore, they should not be presented as established facts or as a proven accusation against any individual unless credible evidence becomes available.The seriousness of the matter is heightened by the difficult environment faced by journalists and media workers in Afghanistan. Journalists have reported pressure, threats, detention, and restrictions under Taliban rule. Any allegation involving a child therefore requires particular caution and responsible handling.### Protection of a Child JournalistIf the person involved is in fact a child, publishing unverified allegations of sexual abuse could have serious consequences for the child’s safety, privacy, reputation, and psychological well-being.Media organizations and social-media users should avoid publishing unnecessary identifying information, private details, photographs, or unverified claims concerning a minor.The appropriate approach is to independently examine the allegations, seek a response from the person concerned, preserve relevant evidence, and refer credible evidence to appropriate legal or child-protection authorities.### Relevance of German LawIf a person making or distributing such allegations is resident in Germany, German law may become relevant depending on the circumstances, the content of the statements, where and how they were published, and whether the alleged conduct falls within German jurisdiction.Germany’s Criminal Code (*Strafgesetzbuch — StGB*) contains provisions concerning certain defamatory or reputation-damaging statements. Depending on the circumstances, knowingly making or spreading false allegations may have legal consequences.However, whether German criminal law applies to conduct or events connected to Afghanistan depends on the specific facts and applicable jurisdictional rules. German law also contains provisions concerning offences committed abroad under certain circumstances.For this reason, anyone considering filing a complaint in Germany should preserve the original videos, posts, screenshots, publication dates, account information, and other relevant evidence and seek advice from a qualified German lawyer or the appropriate German authorities.### A Call for Responsible InvestigationThis issue should not become a tool for personal attacks, political retaliation, or social-media harassment. If a serious allegation of sexual abuse involving a child has been made, the priority should be the **safety and protection of the child and an impartial determination of the facts**.At the same time, allegations of sexual abuse should not be dismissed simply because they have not yet been independently confirmed. They should be handled through appropriate investigative and legal procedures.The responsible position is therefore clear: **do not present an unverified allegation as fact, but do not ignore a potentially serious allegation involving a child.** Independent verification, protection of the minor, preservation of evidence, and appropriate legal review should come first.