Female Blogger Arrested in Herat by Taliban

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Local sources in Herat say that Alia Malorin, a well-known blogger, was arrested by officials of the Taliban’s Department for the Promotion of Virtue on Thursday (September 25) while eating at the “Borj Sadaf” restaurant.

According to sources, Taliban officers severely beat this female blogger at the time of arrest and then transferred her to Herat central prison. Her family has expressed deep concern about her fate.

After the Taliban’s ban on women’s work, Alia Malorin started her activities on social networks and made a living by promoting shops, restaurants, clinics, and other businesses. She had more than 60 thousand followers on Instagram and also sold her handmade products.

Sources say this is not the first time she has been arrested. Previously, the Taliban had summoned her to the Department for the Promotion of Virtue and took a commitment from her to stop her blogging activities, but she continued her work.

The Taliban in Herat have so far not reacted regarding the arrest of this female blogger.

This comes at a time when in recent months the travel of foreign bloggers, including women, to Afghanistan has increased. Videos published of their presence alongside Taliban officials have made headlines, but in contrast, local women such as Alia Malorin face harsh treatment and arrests.

Activists say this action is a sign of new Taliban pressures on women active on social networks.