Zan News: Shaharzad Akbar, the former head of the Afghan Human Rights Commission, says that working on human rights and freedom of expression under Taliban rule has become completely impossible. File photo: Pixabay / CC0 Public Domain Shaharzad Akbar: Arbitrary Arrests, Torture, and Forced Disappearances by the Taliban Have Increased October 19, 2024 Zan News Zan News: Shaharzad Akbar, the former head of the Afghan Human Rights Commission, says that working on human rights and freedom of expression under Taliban rule has become completely impossible. In a statement released on X on Friday (October 18), Ms. Akbar said she raised this issue in a conversation with the International Union of Civil Activists CIVICUS. She added, "The Taliban have repealed laws protecting journalists and civil society and have resorted to force and threats to silence independent media." Shaharzad Akbar also stated, "Anyone who criticizes the Taliban, even if it's a social media post about a power outage, is likely to receive a phone call from the group's intelligence ordering them to delete it and not raise such issues again." She emphasized that the Taliban have targeted civil society activists, journalists, and religious and ethnic elders for challenging the group's laws. According to Ms. Akbar, only a few days after the Taliban took control of the country, it was women who took to the streets and protested against the group's policies. Shaharzad Akbar also noted that cases of arbitrary arrests, torture, and forced disappearances by the Taliban have increased unprecedentedly. These statements come as the Taliban, over the past three years, have systematically violated the rights of citizens, especially women and girls, by issuing numerous decrees and have severely restricted people's access to information by exerting pressure on the media.

Zan News: A landmine explosion in Badakhshan province has killed three children and injured three others. Illustrative file photo: PFC Leslie Angulo / U.S. National Archives / Public Domain Taliban: Landmine Explosion in Badakhshan Kills Three Children April 19, 2025 Zan News Zan News: A landmine explosion in Badakhshan province has killed three children and injured three others. According to local Taliban officials in Badakhshan, the incident took place on Friday, April 18, in the village of Teezab, Baharak district. Ehsanullah Kamgar, spokesperson for the Taliban police command in Badakhshan, stated that the children were between 9 and 14 years old, and the health condition of the three injured children is reported to be critical. It is worth noting that unexploded ordnance from past wars remains a serious threat to civilians, especially children, in various parts of Afghanistan and continues to claim lives.

"I took pills to die so I could be permanently free from the Taliban, but I survived misfortune..." "Even death didn't accompaniment me, let alone life..." "Where should I go, so that my name and trace of being a girl will not remain? Believe me, I am tired of this oppression of the Taliban..." "I just wanted to become a midwife, but my education was once again died..." These are direct quotes from girls who say they attempted suicide due to the ban on education in medical institutes by the Taliban. Illustration: Zan TV / AI-generated The Dreams Killed in the Fetus December 14, 2024 Ariahn Raya "I took pills to die so I could be permanently free from the Taliban, but I survived misfortune..." "Even death didn't accompaniment me, let alone life..." "Where should I go, so that my name and trace of being a girl will not remain? Believe me, I am tired of this oppression of the Taliban..." "I just wanted to become a midwife, but my education was once again died..." These are direct quotes from girls who say they attempted suicide due to the ban on education in medical institutes by the Taliban. When the Taliban, through an official letter, issued the order to close the doors of private and public universities to girls on December 20, 2022, Shaqayeq, 23 years old, was studying in the sixth semester of the Journalism Faculty at Herat University. However, with this ban, she was not only confined to her home but also faced depression and emotional problems. Until her family once again planted the seed of hope in Shaqayeq’s heart and enrolled her in a midwifery program at one of Herat's medical institutes. But now, the dust of lost hope is reflected on Shaqayeq's face, and she says with a voice full of tears: "My only wish was to serve the people. I wanted to become a journalist, but the Taliban didn’t allow it. My family wanted me to become a doctor, and again, they took that opportunity away from me." Becoming a midwife was the only remaining path for Shaqayeq and her family to continue her education, but this dream of hers not only failed but, according to her, her dreams were killed for the second time in the fetal period. When the Taliban issued the order to ban girls from studying in medical institutes in December 2024, Shaqayeq's second semester had not yet finished. Shaqayeq says that upon hearing the news of the education ban, the emotional pressure forced her to attempt suicide, but with her mother's help, she was saved from the grip of death. With heartbreak and restlessness, she says: "When I wanted to go to my class, as I reached the door, a Taliban pointed his gun at us and said we were not allowed to go to the university, our studies were blocked. I cried and came home. Inside the house, I found four packs of pills. I took the pills to die so I could be permanently free from the Taliban, but unfortunately, I survived. When I took the pills, my mother noticed and quickly took me to the general hospital in Herat." Mursal is another one of the girls who, after the Taliban's order banning universities, changed her field of study and enrolled in one of Herat's medical institutes. However, with the closure of medical institutes' doors to girls, she has been confined to her home for the second time and deprived of the opportunity to continue her education. Mursal, who was studying in the final semester of pharmacy, says: "The Taliban is the enemy of girls. When I came home, I was very hopeless. I took poison to die, I was unconscious. My family took me to the hospital. What can I say? Even death didn’t accompaniment me, let alone life, which could accompaniment me. I am tired of life." Najia, the sister of this girl who was deprived of education, says that after the closure of education for Mursal, she was emotionally hurt for the second time and chose to remain in seclusion. Broken Hearts and Shattered Dreams After the Taliban took power in Afghanistan for the second time, they first announced the ban on education for girls above the sixth grade in schools. One year after this ban, they closed the doors of universities to girls, and finally, on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, they also announced the ban on the last remaining way for girls to continue their education. But the girls deprived of education say that with the strict bans of the Taliban, all their dreams have shattered, and they have no hope of continuing their education and life in Afghanistan. Khatira, who was studying in the final semester of the midwifery program at one of the medical institutes in Herat, says that if the Taliban had not prevented her education, she would have graduated in a few months. Khatira, who had come to terms with all the Taliban's restrictions, from changing her field of study to mandatory dress code, says with tearful eyes: "You tell me, where should I go, so that my name and trace of being a girl will not remain? Believe me, I am tired of this oppression of the Taliban. The Taliban do not give up their hostility towards women and girls. I wanted to become a midwife, but they didn’t allow it. Does a Taliban take his own wife to a male doctor? " Khatira, who is drowning in waves of hopelessness, pleads with the Taliban to reopen the doors of medical institutes to girls. Habiba, another student from the medical institutes in Herat province, says she had dreamed of going to the most remote parts of the province to treat the pain of women in areas deprived of health services, but now she herself is in need of healing. Habiba, who has been overwhelmed with worry and distress, says: "I just wanted to become a midwife, but my education was once again died. My goal was to go to the most remote area of Herat and help women, but the Taliban didn’t allow me to finish my studies." Death Lurking for Mothers and Newborns, Following the Taliban's Decision With the ban on education for girls in medical institutes, a large number of international organizations have deemed this Taliban decision a violation of human rights laws and have stated that with the absence of female doctors in Afghanistan, the maternal and neonatal mortality rates will significantly increase in the near future. The European Union has described the Taliban's decision as a 'horrific violation of fundamental human rights and an unjustifiable attack on women's right to education. The Union has called the consequences of the Taliban's decision to ban education for girls in medical institutes a 'deepening of the humanitarian crisis' in Afghanistan and has called on the Taliban to reopen the doors of education and learning for girls. Stephane Dujarric, the spokesperson for the United Nations Secretary-General, has also expressed concern over this Taliban decision, stating that the ban on education for girls in health institutes will have a devastating impact on Afghanistan's health system. These concerns are raised while, according to information provided by the United Nations Population Fund, for every 100,000 births in Afghanistan, 638 result in the death of mothers and newborns due to the lack of facilities and doctors. This represents the highest maternal and neonatal mortality rate in Asia. It is worth mentioning that the Taliban have not only banned girls from studying in medical institutes, but they also do not allow women and girls who have studied in medical fields to participate in the "Exit" exam.

Zan News: As confessions from women about torture and violence in Taliban prisons are being published, the Taliban's Prison Regulation Affairs Administration has announced that the number of prisoners in Afghanistan is nearly 9,000, of which 500 are women. Illustration: Zan TV / AI-generated Taliban: 500 Women Imprisoned in Afghanistan's Jails July 15, 2024 Zan News Zan News: As confessions from women about torture and violence in Taliban prisons are being published, the Taliban's Prison Regulation Affairs Administration has announced that the number of prisoners in Afghanistan is nearly 9,000, of which 500 are women. Mohammad Yousuf Mestari, head of this administration, said in an interview withAfghanistan National Television that many of these individuals are incarcerated in connection with "criminal cases." Mestari's statement about the 500 female prisoners comes despite the Taliban repeatedly denying the presence of women in their prisons. Additionally, a few months ago, Habibullah Badr, the military deputy of the prison administration, said that 800 women were in Taliban prisons across Afghanistan. He mentioned this number of female prisoners while denying any "political prisoners" in Taliban jails and refuting allegations of beating or torture. Meanwhile, Taliban officials are talking about a decrease in the number of female prisoners, whereas eight months ago, at the end of 1402 solar year, during the "Government Accountability to the Nation" program, they said that 66,000 prisoners were held in their jails, including 2,000 women and children. Last year, the United Nations office reported in July that the number of Taliban prisoners was 15,000. UNAMA confirmed in this report that the Taliban "torture" prisoners and use "electric shocks." Recently, Raeesa Yazdanparast, the director of the women's section at the National Security Directorate 050 of the previous government, disclosed torture by the Taliban in prisons, stating that she was detained by Taliban forces and spent one and a half months under torture in their prison. Furthermore, the Spectator magazine, citing the United Nations last month, reported that sexual assault, gang rape, and sexual slavery against women in Taliban prisons are set to be investigated by the UN. The report published by the magazine indicated that reports of sexual violence and rape by the Taliban against female prisoners in Afghanistan have raised concerns at the U.S. State Department and among Richard Bennett, the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in Afghanistan, and the United Nations has announced an investigation into this matter.

Zan News: The Window of Hope Women’s Movement, expressing concern over the Taliban’s recent executions, has called on the United Nations, human rights organizations, and peace-supporting countries to seriously and decisively document and pursue human rights violations in Afghanistan. File photo: Pixabay / CC0 Public Domain Window of Hope Movement Calls for Strong Accountability Over Taliban's Recent Executions April 16, 2025 Zan News Zan News: The Window of Hope Women’s Movement, expressing concern over the Taliban’s recent executions, has called on the United Nations, human rights organizations, and peace-supporting countries to seriously and decisively document and pursue human rights violations in Afghanistan. In a statement, the movement said that carrying out public executions is a clear indication of the Taliban’s disregard for human values, justice, and human rights. The statement added that by holding summary trials and carrying out public punishments, the Taliban are spreading fear, violence, and repression in society—actions that contradict both Islamic principles and international law. Last Friday, the Taliban executed four individuals in the provinces of Farah, Nimroz, and Badghis—an act that sparked widespread international condemnation. UNAMA, the European Union, and the French government denounced the executions and called for their immediate halt. In response, the Taliban’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday, April 16, labeled UNAMA’s stance as “irresponsible,” claiming that the executions were carried out only after final verdicts had been issued. The Taliban insist that their regime is Islamic and that they fully implement Sharia law. Previously, the group’s leader, Hibatullah Akhundzada, had declared that enforcing Sharia rulings is a top priority.

Zan News: The Supreme Court of the Taliban has announced that one woman and two men were publicly flogged in the "Kuz Kunar" district of Nangarhar on charges of "illicit relationships." Illustration: Zan TV / AI-generated Taliban Flog One Woman and Two Men in Nangarhar January 30, 2025 Zan News Zan News: The Supreme Court of the Taliban has announced that one woman and two men were publicly flogged in the "Kuz Kunar" district of Nangarhar on charges of "illicit relationships." In a statement, the court stated that these individuals were each lashed 39 times on Monday (27 January) based on the ruling of the primary court of Kuz Kunar district. The flogging sentence was carried out after being approved by the Taliban's chief justice. This action comes as the Taliban publicly flogged one woman and two men in Panjshir province just yesterday. It is worth noting that since their return to power, the Taliban have repeatedly carried out public corporal punishment against accused individuals and have so far executed six people. International human rights organizations have condemned such punishments as violations of international law and human dignity, calling for their immediate cessation. These actions by the Taliban have been met with widespread condemnation from human rights activists and global organizations.

Zan News: Richard Bennett, the UN Human Rights Council's Special Rapporteur on Afghanistan, has stated that child recruitment is part of the broader child rights crisis in the country. File photo: PxHere / CC0 Public Domain Richard Bennett: Child Recruitment is Part of the Broader Child Rights Crisis in Afghanistan February 13, 2025 Zan News Zan News: Richard Bennett, the UN Human Rights Council's Special Rapporteur on Afghanistan, has stated that child recruitment is part of the broader child rights crisis in the country. On Wednesday (February 12) marking the International Day Against the Use of Child Soldiers, Bennett emphasized that the ban on education, forced labor, and economic challenges place Afghan children at risk of harm from armed violence. Mr. Bennett also stressed the necessity of protecting children. It is worth noting that the United Nations annually commemorates February 12th as the International Day Against the Use of Child Soldiers. This day is aimed at raising awareness about the plight of children involved in wars and advocating for an end to their use in armed conflicts. In 2002, the United Nations adopted the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child, which prohibits the use of children under the age of 15 in warfare and armed activities.

Zan News: The Taliban's Supreme Court has announced that four individuals, including one woman, have been flogged publicly in Parwan province. Illustration: Zan TV / AI-generated Taliban Flog Four Individuals, Including One Woman, in Parwan October 28, 2024 Zan News Zan News: The Taliban's Supreme Court has announced that four individuals, including one woman, have been flogged publicly in Parwan province. According to a statement released today, Monday (October 28), by this court, the individuals were flogged on charges of "running away from home and sodomy." The court stated that the flogging sentence for these individuals was issued by the Taliban's primary court in the Saydkhil district of Parwan province. Each of these individuals received 39 lashes, and in addition, two of them were sentenced to six months in prison, while the other two received one year in prison. It is noteworthy that over the past month, the Taliban have flogged more than 70 individuals, including women, publicly in various provinces of the country. This comes as the United Nations Human Rights Council has condemned the Taliban's corporal punishment and called for its cessation. Amnesty International has also pointed to the lack of access to a fair judicial system in Taliban courts as a serious concern regarding human rights violations.

Zan News: Tomas Niklasson, the European Union's Special Representative for Afghanistan, has described the execution carried out by the Taliban as a humiliating act that contradicts human dignity. File photo: Pixabay / CC0 Public Domain EU Representative: Execution by the Taliban is Humiliating and Contrary to Human Dignity November 19, 2024 Zan News Zan News: Tomas Niklasson, the European Union's Special Representative for Afghanistan, has described the execution carried out by the Taliban as a humiliating act that contradicts human dignity. On Monday (November 18), Niklasson condemned the execution of a young man in Paktia province through a post on his X account and called for fair trials in Afghanistan. He emphasized, "The European Union is strongly opposed to the death penalty under all circumstances and at all times." The EU Special Representative also noted that public executions are against Afghanistan's human rights commitments and, according to Articles 6 and 7 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), are considered acts that are humiliating and contrary to human dignity. He urged the Taliban to ensure access to legal representation for all Afghan citizens, both men and women. Previously, Richard Bennett, the UN Human Rights Council's Special Rapporteur, and the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) had also condemned the execution of a young boy by the Taliban. It is worth noting that last week, the Taliban executed a young boy accused of killing a former member of the group in Gardez, the capital of Paktia province, in the presence of Sirajuddin Haqqani, the Taliban's Minister of Interior. This was the sixth execution by the Taliban in more than three years in Afghanistan.

Zan News: On Wednesday (November 13), the Taliban publicly carried out a retribution sentence on an individual at the Gardez city stadium, the capital of Paktia province, in front of a gathering of people. File photo: Pixabay / CC0 Public Domain Taliban Publicly Execute Retribution Sentence in Paktia November 13, 2024 Zan News Zan News: On Wednesday (November 13), the Taliban publicly carried out a retribution sentence on an individual at the Gardez city stadium, the capital of Paktia province, in front of a gathering of people. According to a statement issued by the Taliban’s Supreme Court, the retribution ceremony was attended by Sirajuddin Haqqani, the Taliban's Interior Minister; Khalil-ur-Rahman Haqqani, the Taliban's Minister of Refugees; Abdullah Khalid, the Chief of the Taliban Appellate Court, and his deputy, Wahidullah Siddiqi, along with other senior Taliban officials. The statement also noted that a large number of Paktia residents had gathered at the stadium to witness the execution of this sentence. The condemned individual, identified as Mohammad Ayaz, a resident of Mirzaki district in Paktia, was accused of "premeditated murder" and had been tried and convicted for killing someone with a firearm. It is worth mentioning that after returning to power in August 2021, the Taliban carried out their first public execution in December 2022 in Farah province, where at least ten Taliban leaders and officials were present. In November 2022, the Taliban leader issued an order for the implementation of Islamic punishments, including flogging, retribution, and amputation. Following this decree, the Taliban publicly flogged 19 men and women in Takhar province on November 19, 2022, and since then, hundreds of people have been publicly flogged in various provinces.