Afghan UN mission reports arbitrary detentions, ill-treatment by Taliban

The UN mission in Afghanistan has reported that the Taliban's morality police have arbitrarily detained hundreds of individuals and subjected dozens to ill-treatment between July and September. This finding comes despite the Taliban's promises to govern more liberally upon returning to power five years ago. According to UNAMA, 443 arbitrary arrests and detentions, along with 97 cases of ill-treatment, were documented during the three-month period.

These incidents were primarily linked to alleged violations of rules regarding women's hijab, restrictions on beards and hairstyles, mandatory prayer attendance, and bans on music. When the Taliban took control five years ago, following the withdrawal of US and allied forces, they had assured a more liberal approach to governance.

However, human rights groups argue that such assurances were short-lived, with the implementation of stringent restrictions on women and girls. The report also revealed four killings and 14 arbitrary detentions of former Afghan security force members, even though a general amnesty was declared post-Taliban's return to power in 2021.

A Taliban spokesman, Zabiullah Mujahid, dismissed the findings, asserting that the detentions were lawful and accusing UNAMA of spreading propaganda against the government. The UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan also reported that cross-border incidents resulted in the deaths of 13 civilians and injuries to 20 others during the quarter.

Furthermore, the UNAMA documented the suspension of several media outlets and noted that Afghan women are still barred from entering UN premises.