Taliban Arrest Several People in Kabul for Raising Muharram Flags

Taliban forces in Kabul raided multiple Shia mosques and tore down Muharram flags, leading to the arrest of several people. These actions were taken on the orders of Justice Minister Abdul Hakim Shari. The individuals arrested are being held in a detention facility that is under the personal control of the minister.

The raids affected a number of locations in the capital. These included the Imam Hussain Mojtaba Mosque, the Mohammadi Mosque, the Nabi Akram Mosque, Golzar Shuhada Hosseinieh, the Hasnain Mosque, Resalat School, and the Afshariha Mosque.

In Mazar-i-Sharif, Taliban members arrested at least three people in connection with Muharram mourning activities.

The arrests took place even though Taliban representatives had previously met with Shia clerics and granted permission for Muharram ceremonies under certain conditions. Following the detentions, the coordinators of the ceremonies raised complaints with Taliban intelligence officials.

The coordinators then met with the deputy head of Taliban intelligence, Tajmir Jawad. During this meeting, Jawad reaffirmed the permission for the ceremonies. He also asked for the names of the detainees, suggesting that their cases could be reviewed for possible release.

Since returning to power, the Taliban have imposed repeated restrictions on Muharram mourning. On some occasions, these restrictions have resulted in violence at the gatherings.