Though standing again in the depths of darkness was deeply anxiety-inducing for Raihan, her books once more became her refuge. She decided not to care about what people said, because people always judge based on their own minds and perspectives. What truly matters is the voice of our own heart.

While the Taliban have declared music “haram” (forbidden), citizens in several provinces say members of the group issue “religious permits” for playing music at events in exchange for bribes.

The European Union and Uzbekistan have expressed concern over the situation of women and girls in Afghanistan during their recent Cooperation Council meeting in Luxembourg.

Richard Bennett, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan, has condemned the recent execution in Badghis province, saying that the Taliban are using public executions as a tool to intimidate the population and enforce social control.