Prominent Shia Cleric Condemns Taliban Over Detentions and Humiliation of Shias

Prominent Shia Cleric Condemns Taliban Over Detentions and Humiliation of Shias
——————————-
Shia cleric Hussein Dad Sharifi has publicly criticized the Taliban for detaining dozens of Shia clerics and humiliating Shia citizens over religious practices, particularly the registration of “temporary marriages.”

Sharifi said Taliban morality police assaulted him on May 6 at District 18 police station in Kabul after he officiated a temporary marriage, knocking his turban off and threatening imprisonment. Clerics were reportedly forced to sign pledges not to conduct such marriages, while ordinary Shias have faced harassment and public humiliation.

Sharifi described these actions as an insult to Shia Islam and its followers, warning they risk deepening sectarian divisions and undermining Afghanistan’s national interests. He called on Taliban authorities to revise policies towards Shia communities and prevent further mistreatment.

The Afghanistan Shia Commission has raised concerns with Taliban officials, urging that such incidents not be repeated and that Shia religious practices be respected.