Taliban Enforce Systematic Religious Repression Against Minorities in Afghanistan, Report Says

Taliban Enforce Systematic Religious Repression Against Minorities in Afghanistan, Report Says
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A recent human rights report reveals that the Taliban are systematically restricting religious freedoms in Afghanistan, targeting non-Sunni communities through the closure of worship places, seizure of religious texts, and arrests during religious events. The report highlights the Taliban’s strict Sunni interpretation, labeling other religious practices as heresy, with the Hazara Shia minority facing severe repression.

Shia mosques and Hussainiyas have been shut down in Kabul, Bamiyan, and Ghazni, while Sikh and Hindu communities face increasing persecution, leading many to flee. Christians reportedly practice in secrecy due to fear of execution, and only one Jewish individual remains in Kabul.

The Taliban’s “Promotion of Virtue” office enforces these measures through raids and bans. The report also criticizes the Taliban’s inadequate response to ISIS-K attacks on Shia mosques, heightening minority fears. It calls for international action, including targeted sanctions and safe havens for refugees, to protect religious freedoms and prevent potential crimes against humanity.