Taliban close women-only cafes in Herat
Amu: Now, the owners say they have lost everything. “We invested everything we had into these businesses, but the Taliban has taken it all away,” one cafe owner said. “If the closures are permanent, I will have no money left to secure my future.” The closure of the cafes follows a broader crackdown on women’s rights in Afghanistan, where the Taliban has barred women from higher education, most forms of employment, and public spaces, including parks and gyms. Click here to read more (external link).
ICC Prosecutor: Significant progress in Gender Discrimination Investigation in Afghanistan
Khaama: Prosecutor Karim Khan confirmed that his office has already launched investigations into the alleged crimes in Afghanistan, including human rights violations against women, and will continue these efforts. The Prosecutor emphasized that investigations have been independent, impartial, and focused on allegations of gender-based discrimination and harassment. Click here to read more (external link).
Taliban Arrests Gangrape Victim in Kapisa Province, Claim Sources
Afghanistan International: Sources claimed that the five perpetrators of the gangrape are members of Niloufar’s husband’s family. According to them, one of the perpetrators has been identified as “Mayel Agha” and is a member of the Taliban in Kapisa. Earlier, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) in a report in December quoted some Taliban officials as saying they were imprisoning “women without a mahram” who were victims of violence. Click here to read more (external link).
Women arrested by Taliban for begging report rape and killings in Afghan jails
The Guardian (UK): Destitute Afghan women arrested for begging under draconian new Taliban laws have spoken of “brutal” rapes and beatings in detention. Over the past few months, many women said they had been targeted by Taliban officials and detained under anti-begging laws passed this year. While in prison, they claim they were subjected to sexual abuse, torture and forced labour, and witnessed children being beaten and abused. All the women said they had no other option to begging on the streets for money and food for their children after being unable to find paid work. Click here to read more (external link).
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Tolo News in Dari – November 29, 2024
Pakistan confirms arrests of Afghan nationals during Imran Khan protests
Khaama: Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, spokesperson for Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, announced that Afghan nationals had been arrested during protests by Imran Khan’s supporters in Islamabad. While Baloch did not specify the exact number of Afghan nationals arrested, this is not the first time Pakistani authorities have reported the detention of Afghans during protests in the country. Click here to read more (external link).
Bangladesh trumps Afghanistan in first match of U-19 Asia Cup
Ariana: Afghanistan’s under-19 national cricket team lost to Bangladesh in their first match in the ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup 2024 on Friday in Dubai. The country’s under-19 cricket team will face Sri Lanka’s under-19 team next Sunday in its second game in this tournament. Click here to read more (external link).
Taliban confiscate 31 hectares of land in Kabul’s Sherpur area
Taliban militants (file photo)
Amu: Since assuming power in August 2021, the Taliban have made land confiscation a cornerstone of their governance, frequently reclaiming property they deem to belong to the state. While the Taliban defends the policy as a measure to restore order, it has faced criticism from individuals who claim rightful ownership of the seized lands and from local residents who view the actions as heavy-handed. The Sherpur neighborhood, a coveted area in Kabul, has long been a site of contention. Once a green zone, it has seen a surge in upscale development over the years, including luxury homes and government buildings, often at the expense of city planning regulations. Click here to read more (external link).