Amnesty International has sounded the alarm regarding the “arbitrary detention” of four women human rights defenders in Afghanistan, calling on the Taliban for their “immediate and unconditional release”.
In a letter addressed to Abdul Haq Wasiq, the head of Taliban intelligence, the rights organization expressed serious concern over the detention of Zholia Parsi, Neda Parwani, Manizha Seddiqi, and Parisa Azada.
These women, known for their advocacy for women’s rights, were reportedly arrested for exercising their rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, according to the human rights watchdog.
The detainees, including Neda and Zholia, were reportedly apprehended alongside their family members, with some being held in undisclosed locations, as per the statement.
Amnesty International’s investigation revealed that the detained women are being denied family visits, lack access to legal representation, and face challenges in meeting their medical needs. The organization emphasized that these women have not been charged with any offenses.
“These women human rights defenders and their family members must be released immediately and unconditionally,” the organization insisted.
Furthermore, Amnesty International expressed growing fears that the activists are at risk of torture and ill-treatment, citing documented cases of human rights violations in Taliban detention centers.
