Kabul, Afghanistan — A group of women activists in Kabul called on Friday for the immediate release of Rashid Kashifi, a journalist detained by the Taliban earlier this week.
In a statement issued by the Afghanistan Women’s Lantern Movement, the activists said that Kashifi was arrested three days ago by Taliban intelligence agents without legal proceedings and has been denied access to a lawyer or his family.
The group said Kashifi’s detention is part of a broader campaign of repression by the Taliban against journalists, media outlets and human rights defenders across Afghanistan. They also expressed concern about his physical and mental well-being while in custody.
The movement urged international organizations, including the United Nations, the Committee to Protect Journalists and Reporters Without Borders, to take urgent action to secure the release of Kashifi and other political prisoners.
“Silence in the face of injustice is complicity with oppression. The Taliban are enemies of freedom, truth and humanity,” the statement said.
Sources confirmed to Amu TV that Kashifi was detained earlier this week near his home in Kabul by Taliban intelligence agents. He had previously been arrested and beaten by Taliban forces in 2021.
