RASC News Agency: The US Commission on International Religious Freedom, in its annual report, noted that religious freedom in Afghanistan under Taliban rule has been deteriorating. According to the report released by the commission on Wednesday, May 1, religious minorities in Afghanistan face threats from terrorist groups, including ISIS, and harassment from the Taliban.
The report specifically highlights violations of religious freedom against Shia Muslims, Hindus, Sikhs, and Christians by the Taliban. It stated that Hindus, Sikhs, and Christians face severe restrictions, including limitations on their attire and public religious ceremonies. The report emphasized that the Taliban continue to enforce their strict interpretation of Sharia law, infringing on religious freedom.
Given the ban on education for women and girls in Afghanistan, the commission added that the Taliban have implemented numerous decrees based on their religious interpretations. The report highlighted that the teaching of Jafari jurisprudence has been banned in universities by the Taliban, and private universities have been compelled to remove non-Hanafi law books.
The commission called for Washington to recognize Afghanistan under Taliban rule as a “country of particular concern” due to the systematic violations of religious freedom. It also urged the US government to address the issue of religious freedom and beliefs in its discussions with the Taliban, condemning the “crimes” of the group and ISIS clearly.
Additionally, the commission has called for further sanctions against Taliban officials. The recently released annual human rights report from the US State Department also emphasized widespread human rights violations and the suppression of civil and media freedoms in Afghanistan.
