Family of Nazera Rashidi, a journalist detained by the Taliban in the northeastern province of Kunduz, said on Monday that she was facing pressure to make a forced confession and could be subjected to security-related accusations.
In a letter shared with media outlets, Hajera Rashidi, the sister of Nazera Rashidi, said Hajera had been held for six days without formal charges and was at risk of coerced confessions, character defamation and the fabrication of a security case against her.
She said Nazera, a local journalist and the sole caregiver for two young children, was being targeted through what she described as coordinated efforts by Taliban-controlled media outlets and affiliated institutions.
“The aim appears to be first to damage her reputation and social standing, and then to pave the way for further actions,” the letter said.
The family said they had no information about her health or detention conditions and expressed concern about possible mistreatment and pressure during custody.
Local sources in Kunduz previously told Amu TV that Rashidi, a journalist with Radio Kunduz, was detained by Taliban intelligence officers last Tuesday after leaving her home in the provincial capital. She was taken to an undisclosed location, the sources said.
According to the family, they have received only one phone call from Taliban intelligence confirming her detention, without providing details about her whereabouts, health or the reason for her arrest.
Taliban authorities have not commented publicly on the detention.
