RASC News Agency: Several civil society and human rights activists have voiced serious concerns regarding the condition of Jawid Kohistani, urging the Taliban to release him without delay. Following the arrest of Jawid Kohistani, a prominent political analyst, by the Taliban, numerous civil society figures and human rights advocates have raised alarms over his detainment, demanding his immediate and unconditional release.
These activists have formed an advocacy committee, appealing to international human rights organizations, United Nations offices, particularly the Human Rights Council, and Richard Bennett, the UN Special Rapporteur for Human Rights in Afghanistan, to take immediate action to secure Kohistani’s freedom. The activists’ primary demand centers on Kohistani’s swift release from Taliban detention. According to the committee, Kohistani recently underwent heart surgery and remains on medication. They have called upon the UNAMA office to facilitate consistent communication between Kohistani and his family to ensure he receives the essential medical care, nutrition, and health services he urgently requires.
The Advocacy Committee for the Release of Jawid Kohistani stated: “Given past incidents of a similar nature, we are deeply concerned about the likelihood of Kohistani facing torture, mistreatment, and psychological and physical abuse while under Taliban custody. We demand immediate assurances regarding his safety and well-being.” The committee has also urged the public to raise their voices in support of Kohistani during these challenging times and to continue advocating for his release until he is freed from Taliban captivity.
Jawid Kohistani, a distinguished political and military analyst, was detained on Thursday, September 26, in northern Kabul. Over five days have passed, yet no information has surfaced regarding his whereabouts or condition. Earlier reports indicated that Kohistani is being held by the Taliban’s intelligence agency. However, the reasons for his arrest remain unclear, and Taliban officials have thus far refrained from issuing any statements on the matter.
This arrest is not an isolated incident. The Taliban has, on numerous occasions, detained university professors and media professionals. The group has enforced stringent restrictions on freedom of expression and press activities since taking control of the country.
