Amnesty International has reported that since the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan, the country’s civil space has come under intense pressure, with women’s rights and freedom of expression facing severe repression.
The organization highlighted the recent release of two educational activists, Ahmad Fahim Azimi and Sediqullah Afghan, from Taliban detention, describing it as just one example of the Taliban’s “widespread crackdown” on civil society activists, journalists, and human rights defenders in Afghanistan.
“The arrests and repression reflect a troubling trend in the Taliban’s treatment of civil society activists,” Amnesty International said. “Since their return to power, the Taliban have aggressively curtailed activities related to education, women’s rights, and free speech. Activists who have fled the country face significant legal and financial challenges in neighboring countries, with the constant threat of being forcibly returned to Afghanistan.”
The report further noted that the detention of Azimi and Afghan is one of many examples of the Taliban’s harsh response to any efforts to promote civil society or advance education and women’s and children’s rights.
Azimi and Afghan were transferred to Pul-e-Charkhi prison after being interrogated for 72 days, where, according to their families, they were subjected to torture and ill-treatment. Independent access to legal representation and medical services remains severely restricted under Taliban rule, adding to the harsh conditions in the country’s detention centers.
