Contradictions in Taliban’s speech and behavior in dealing with Shiites; from claims of respect to arrest and violence.
Kabul Times News | 2026-05-19
Report; Tabassum Aslamyar
Reports of the beating of a Shiite scholar and the arrest of the former education official in Bamyan have once again raised concerns about the Taliban’s treatment of the Shiite community.
While a Taliban official recently spoke of “respect for Shiites,” new reports of the group’s violent treatment of Shiite figures have sparked widespread reactions and criticism.
According to published information, the Taliban severely beat up Shiite scholar Hussain Dad Sharifi a few days ago. It has also been reported that the former head of education in Bamyan province was also recently arrested by Taliban forces.
Official details about the reason for these attacks and the status of the detainees have not yet been released; But activists and critics say the moves are in stark contrast to the Taliban’s claims of “treating Shiites with respect.”
Critics also point out that the Shiite community in Afghanistan has faced repeated security clashes, religious restrictions and discrimination in recent years. These concerns, they say, are rooted in the Taliban’s history of treating Shiites, including the bloody events of the 1970s.
The Taliban have not yet officially commented on the reports.
Kabul Times News is following the matter.
Contradictions in Taliban’s speech and behavior in dealing with Shiites; from claims of respect to arrest and violence.
