8am: Following calls to action by citizens inside and outside the country to protest the detention of women in Herat and the crackdown on their demonstrations, the Taliban have stepped up the interrogation, detention, and imprisonment of social activists and social media users across the province. After the public protests in the Jibrail district of
Khaama: The United States is preparing to deport migrants from several countries, including Afghanistan, Iran and Syria, to the Central African Republic under a new third-country removal plan, Reuters reported on Thursday. According to Reuters, migrants who entered the United States through irregular routes and failed to secure legal residency could be transferred to the
Amu: Taliban governor in Herat has acknowledged the recent detention of women and girls in the western city, claiming those arrested suffered from what he described as “psychological” and “religious” problems. In comments published by Al-Emarah, a Taliban-affiliated media outlet, Noor Ahmad Islamjar confirmed that women had been detained in recent days for allegedly failing
Afghanistan International: UN Secretary-General spokesperson Farhan Haq said Taliban forces used live ammunition to disperse a civil protest in Herat. He urged the Taliban to refrain from any unnecessary or disproportionate use of force against peaceful demonstrations. Speaking at a press briefing in New York on Wednesday, June 10, Haq said the United Nations is
8am: Following public protests in Herat against the detention of women for not wearing a chadari (burqa), the Taliban has issued a statement on hijab, calling on women to cover their entire bodies and faces and to behave in a manner that prevents their voices from being heard. In a statement titled “Islamic Hijab” published
Afghanistan International: An eyewitness to Tuesday’s protests in Herat told Afghanistan International that he personally witnessed one person being killed and at least 22 others injured during the protest. Other local sources also reported civilian casualties and said there may have been at least one fatality. However, the exact number of dead and injured has
Afghanistan International: Residents of Herat told Afghanistan International that Taliban authorities launched a large-scale operation on Saturday to detain women accused of violating the group’s mandatory dress code, with more than 20 women reportedly arrested in one area alone. Witnesses said Taliban officials also detained women at the Almas Sharq shopping centre and in the
Khaama: Democratic lawmakers sharply criticized the Trump administration’s refugee policy during a congressional hearing, urging the United States to honor commitments made to Afghan allies who assisted American forces during the two-decade war in Afghanistan. Representative Grace Meng questioned Secretary of State Marco Rubio over the administration’s decision to admit white South African refugees while
Afghanistan International: The UN special rapporteur on human rights in Afghanistan says his office has verified cases of sexual violence allegedly committed by Taliban officials, primarily in detention centres. Victims interviewed included women and girls, as well as men and boys. The remarks come after the UN Security Council recently reported allegations of sexual violence
Daily Mail (UK): Despite the Taliban’s legal ban on the practice, a recent report suggests it remains widespread. The US State Department in its latest Trafficking in Persons report, found that child soldier recruitment, human trafficking and Bacha Bazi continue in Afghanistan. The report said the Taliban recruit children through coercion and deception, including false