Purple Saturdays Movement: "We Will Not Remain Silent!"; Call for Widespread Protests Against the Taliban

The call, released on Sunday (August 11), states that the Taliban's rule over Afghanistan is the result of a “shameful” deal that has systematically subjected women, vulnerable communities, and religious minorities to “oppression and suppression.”

The Purple Saturdays Movement also accuses the Taliban of committing war crimes, targeted killings, forced displacement, widespread human rights violations, harassment of protesters women, and even “sexual assault,” demanding accountability for these “horrific crimes.”

The movement emphasizes that, contrary to their commitments to the international community, the Taliban have strengthened their ties with other terrorist groups and turned Afghanistan into a “safe haven” for terrorists.

The movement has also called on the international community to increase pressure and sanctions against the Taliban rather than engaging with them.

The Purple Saturdays Movement has urged all Afghan citizens, political and civil activists, cultural and artistic figures, athletes, youth, and educated elites to organize widespread protests, calling for increased pressure on the Taliban and an end to support for the group.