Taliban’s Arbitrary Arrests Rise Sixfold in 2025, Rights Group Warns

Taliban’s Arbitrary Arrests Rise Sixfold in 2025, Rights Group Warns
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The Afghan human rights organization Rawadari has reported a sharp increase in arbitrary detentions under Taliban rule, with at least 1,509 people — including 16 women — arrested in the first half of 2025. The figures were published by Shia Waves Agency, citing the World Human Rights Organization.

According to the report, the number of such arrests has risen sixfold compared to 2023 and doubled in comparison with last year. The Taliban have targeted citizens for reasons ranging from women’s dress codes and men’s beard length to listening to music or expressing criticism of the authorities.

Rights defenders warn that the escalating crackdown reflects the group’s tightening grip on Afghan society and its imposition of strict ideological controls.