RASC News Agency: Mullah Abdul Qahar, a member of the Taliban’s 219th Corps, has been arrested in the village of Kori, Tagab district, Badakhshan province, on allegations of sexually assaulting a seven-year-old girl. This shocking incident once again highlights the acute vulnerability of children and the lack of safety for minors in areas under Taliban control.
The assault occurred on 25 Sunbula of this year. In a video statement, the victim, named Zainab, recounted that while fetching water at her home, Abdul Qahar threatened her and attempted to sexually assault her. She stated that her screams drew attention from nearby residents, ultimately preventing serious harm. Zainab also revealed that the traumatic event has left her suffering from severe psychological shock, experiencing nightmares and emotional distress at night.
Local Taliban authorities in Badakhshan confirmed that Abdul Qahar has been detained and that other potential accomplices are also in custody, with investigations ongoing.
Child rights activists and civil society members, however, warn that such incidents are not isolated. Similar abuses have repeatedly occurred across Afghanistan in areas under Taliban control over the past years, with perpetrators frequently facing little to no accountability.
Experts stress that arresting the offender alone is insufficient. They call for the establishment of robust protective mechanisms, targeted education programs, and strict oversight of the behavior of armed personnel to prevent the recurrence of such crimes. Activists also underline that the psychological impact of such violence can haunt victims for years, profoundly affecting their development and well-being.
Without comprehensive measures to protect children and hold perpetrators accountable, Afghanistani society remains at risk of repeated, systemic abuses under the Taliban’s rule.
