Afghanistan Times
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KABUL — The unrecognized Taliban government in Afghanistan has detained prominent political commentator and former university lecturer Jawed Mohmand, escalating concerns over an intensified crackdown on dissent.
Mohmand was reportedly taken by Taliban intelligence agents outside his Kabul residence on October 19, according to his family. A relative, speaking under anonymity for safety reasons, informed Radio Azadi that Mohmand’s psychological condition has deteriorated during his detention.
The Taliban has not clarified why Mohmand was detained, though his arrest comes shortly after being barred from appearing on private Afghan television stations. Although Mohmand was not known for direct criticism of the Taliban and even expressed support for some of its policies, his detention signifies an ongoing suppression of dissenting voices under Taliban rule.
A Broader Pattern of Suppression
The detention is part of a broader effort by the Taliban to silence opposition voices since reclaiming power in 2021. Academics, commentators, journalists, and activists have faced harassment, arrest, and imprisonment for critical views. Last month, the Taliban detained political and military analyst Jawed Kohistani for over two weeks.
Shahrazad Akbar, executive director of the Rawadari rights organization, condemned the Taliban’s tactics, stating that its regime aims to foster a climate of fear that leaves “no room for criticism” and seeks to eliminate accountability to the Afghan public.
Further Restrictions on Free Speech
In September, the Taliban imposed additional restrictions on Afghan media, banning live broadcasts of political discussions and prohibiting public criticism. Such measures threaten to eradicate free speech in Afghanistan.
