RASC News Agency: Sources from Onaba district in Panjshir province report that the Taliban have detained two residents of the Dashtak area for taking photographs. The individuals, identified as Mirajuddin and Hilaluddin, are owners of a local restaurant. These two restaurant owners were detained on charges of photographing their establishment.
According to sources, these young men were apprehended on Monday, July 29, while capturing promotional images for their restaurant. The Taliban took them into custody and transported them to an undisclosed location. Relatives of the detained individuals report that they have not received any information about their whereabouts or condition in the days following the arrest.
It is noteworthy that the Taliban have banned the use of smartphones in Panjshir. According to sources, members of this group prohibit residents and tourists from photographing streets and markets. Smartphones are restricted for Taliban employees and local officials in this province. Taliban militants do not permit their personnel to use smartphones.
The Taliban aim to suppress any information about their oppression, discrimination, and harassment; hence, using phones has become a criminal offense. Young people in this province have been repeatedly arrested and tortured for possessing phones. Some have been detained and humiliated for taking photographs. The Taliban often arrest young people in this province without any evidence or justification. When families inquire about their children, the Taliban fabricate excuses, claiming the individuals were involved in some wrongdoing, justifying the arrests. In reality, these individuals are often unaware of the reasons for their detention.
Young people in Panjshir are subjected to arrest and torture simply for being from Panjshir and being Tajik.
