ISLAMABAD: The Taliban detained at least nine people in Kabul overnight for displaying flags and symbols marking Muharram, Afghanistan International reported on Monday.
The arrests were reportedly made on the orders of Abdul Hakim Sharei, the Taliban’s justice minister, and those held are said to be kept in a private detention facility inside the Ministry of Justice compound.
Ashura, the 10th day of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar, commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, in the seventh-century Battle of Karbala. Shia Muslims around the world observe the day through mourning ceremonies, religious gatherings and the display of black flags and banners.
Witnesses said Taliban forces raided several Shia mosques across the city, removing banners and decorations.
Targeted sites named by sources included Imam Hussain Mujtaba Mosque in the Telegraph Station area, Mohammadi Mosque in Qala-e Shahada, Nabi Akram Mosque in Omid Sabz Township, Gulzar-e Shohada Hussainiya in Sarkariz, Hasnain Mosque in Karte Seh, Resalat Seminary and Afshari Mosque near the Ministry of Justice across districts 6, 13 and 18.
The report said the raids came despite earlier assurances from Taliban officials that Muharram commemorations would be permitted under specific conditions following consultations with Shia religious leaders.
After the raids, representatives of the Kabul Muharram coordination committee met Taj Mir Jawad, deputy head of Taliban intelligence, and filed a formal complaint.
Committee members said Taj Mir Jawad acknowledged that ceremonies could proceed under the previously agreed terms and asked organizers to submit the names of those detained so that steps could be taken toward their release. There has been no official statement yet from the Ministry of Justice or other Taliban departments.
Afghanistan’s Shia Ulema Council earlier urged the Taliban administration to guarantee the security of Muharram ceremonies nationwide and to allow Ashura commemorations to proceed without restrictions.
