Afghan Shia Rights Concerns Rise During Muharram

The Purple Saturday Movement, a women’s rights advocacy group, is calling for international action to protect Afghan Shias during the holy month of Muharram, particularly on the sacred Day of Ashura. The Taliban has been persistent in its crackdown on Shiite’s religious rights and freedom of expression.

In a statement released on Monday, the rights group urged the United Nations and the international community to intervene and prevent the harassment of Afghan Shias by the Taliban regime.

The statement condemned the Taliban’s actions as a violation of human rights, religious freedom, and international law.

“The Purple Saturday Movement emphasizes the urgency of international intervention to protect Afghan Shia minorities,” the statement reads.

This follows a similar statement issued earlier by the Afghanistan Shia Scholars’ Council, which appealed directly to the Taliban for the safety and security of the Shia community during Muharram observances.

According to Afghanistan International, the Taliban have removed and torn flags and banners that Shia Muslims had put up for the month of Muharram.

The news agency adds that obtained images show individuals taking down and tearing these flags in the streets. The source confirms those involved in these actions are members of the Taliban.

This action is in contrast to the Taliban officials’ assurances in Kabul and Herat that they would ensure security for Shia mourning ceremonies during Muharram.

“They promised to secure our ceremonies so we could hold them peacefully. How does tearing down our flags provide security?”, Afghanistan International quoted a local Shia.

The news agency has also noted that Taliban ombudsmen from the propagation of virtues department in Herat have been removing flags of Muharram mourners from shops and homes, warning people against displaying such flags.

This comes despite the fact that the Shia Ulema Council of Afghanistan, in a statement last month, had urged the Taliban to take necessary measures to ensure security during the month of Muharram and to prevent any disruption and insecurity.