Human Rights Watch: Taliban Expand Restrictions on Rights and Freedoms in Afghanistan

Human Rights Watch: Taliban Expand Restrictions on Rights and Freedoms in Afghanistan
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Human Rights Watch says restrictions on human rights and fundamental freedoms in Afghanistan have expanded five years after the Taliban seized power, with journalists, human rights defenders and other groups continuing to face serious abuses.

In a report published on Friday, September 27, the organization said the Taliban authorities had expanded their system of restrictions and surveillance through a series of decrees, directives and laws.

According to the report, journalists, human rights activists, protesters and former government officials, including members of the former security forces, continue to face arbitrary arrest, prolonged detention, torture and other forms of mistreatment.

Human Rights Watch also said corporal punishments, including flogging and executions, remain in use, with some cases reportedly following proceedings that failed to meet fair-trial standards.

The organization further reported that ethnic and religious minorities, including Hazaras and Ismaili Muslims, continue to face discrimination and targeted violence.