Taliban’s Brutal Crackdown on Peaceful Shia Protesters in Kabul

Shiite News: In the western part of Afghanistan’s capital, Kabul, Taliban forces have reportedly launched a severe crackdown on Shia protesters who were peacefully demonstrating against a forced order to vacate the well-known Shia religious seminary, Madrasa Khatam al-Nabieen.

According to eyewitnesses and media reports, Taliban fighters allegedly beat peaceful protesters with batons and subjected them to physical violence, including kicks and punches. During the crackdown, several people, including prominent Shia religious scholars, were reportedly detained and taken to an undisclosed location.

Human rights circles say the incident is further evidence of what they describe as the Taliban’s continued and systematic mistreatment of religious minorities. They argue that, instead of dialogue, force and coercion are being used. They further allege that restrictions on the teaching of Shia jurisprudence, the removal of Shia representatives from religious scholars’ councils, and the alleged seizure of property belonging to the Hazara community, followed by targeting of educational institutions, are placing further pressure on the community’s social and religious life.

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International observers have reportedly raised concerns that the crackdown contradicts the Taliban’s claims of an inclusive government and equal protection for all communities.