87 Deaths in Taliban Prisons Attributed to Torture

A United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) investigation last year confirmed severe torture practices, highlighting the involvement of Khalid Hikmat, a former Taliban intelligence officer linked to al-Qaeda, in these abuses. Hikmat reportedly admitted to torturing prisoners accused of anti-Taliban propaganda.

According to Afghanistan International, 87 individuals have died due to torture in Taliban intelligence prisons over the past three years. Victims primarily included former military personnel, members of the National Resistance Front, and social activists opposing the Taliban. Torture methods documented include electric shocks, suffocation, and genital abuse.

Additionally, another official, Khalil Hamrar, has been implicated in similar crimes. Following these revelations, Taliban intelligence head Abdul Haq Wasiq initiated an informal investigation, confirming the torture-related deaths. UNAMA’s recent report underscores widespread human rights violations in Taliban detention facilities, with nearly 50% of cases involving torture and degrading treatment.