Afghan Shia Youth Group Condemns Taliban Removal of Mid-Sha‘ban Flags

Afghan Shia Youth Group Condemns Taliban Removal of Mid-Sha‘ban Flags
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The Afghan Shia Youth Assembly has strongly condemned the Taliban’s actions to remove flags and other religious symbols associated with Mid-Sha‘ban celebrations, calling the measures a clear violation of religious and cultural freedoms. The statement was issued amid reports that Taliban authorities prevented the display of flags and decorative elements linked to the Shiite observance of the birthday of Imam Mahdi (may Allah hasten his reappearance).

In a statement released by the assembly and reported by Shia Waves Agency, the group described the removal of Mid-Sha‘ban flags as an overt infringement on the right to religious expression. The statement said Mid-Sha‘ban is an important religious occasion for Afghan Shia Muslims and that preventing related symbols and ceremonies is indicative of restrictions on religious rights and the promotion of fear within society.

The youth assembly emphasized that Afghan citizens should be able to express their religious beliefs and observe religious occasions without fear of interference. It labeled the Taliban’s actions unlawful and characterized them as manifestations of intolerance and extremism, calling for the immediate return of the confiscated flags.

The group also urged both Afghan citizens and the international community to support religious freedoms and not remain silent in the face of restrictive measures, especially those that curtail the rights of religious minorities.