NIMROZ, Jan 30 (Afghanistan Women’s News Agency) – Local sources in Nimroz reported to the Afghanistan Women’s News Agency that the Taliban group in the Sistan town of Zaranj capital of Nimroz province has prohibited Shia and Hazara women from going to the mosque and performing religious rituals. A source, on the condition of anonymity, […]
NIMROZ, Jan 30 (Afghanistan Women’s News Agency) – Local sources in Nimroz reported to the Afghanistan Women’s News Agency that the Taliban group in the Sistan town of Zaranj capital of Nimroz province has prohibited Shia and Hazara women from going to the mosque and performing religious rituals.
A source, on the condition of anonymity, informed the Afghanistan Women’s News Agency that the mosque Imam in the Sistan town stated to the women of the neighborhood on Sunday, January 28, that under the Taliban’s orders, they are no longer allowed to go to the mosque for prayers and other religious practices.
The source states: “Women used to go to the mosque only for prayers and occasionally for holding prayer ceremonies, but they have been prohibited from doing so since Sunday.”
Women’s rights activists consider this action by the Taliban as disrespect towards the Shia beliefs.6
Somaya Haqi (pseudonym), a women’s rights activist in Nimroz, says: “The Taliban group wants to harass and oppress the Hazaras and Shias by fabricating any excuse. They are opposed to the beliefs and sect of the Shia.”
The women’s rights activist continues to say, “The Taliban use the pretext of hijab to oppress Hazara and Shia girls to tarnish their honor, but our people have chosen silence out of fear.”
The reason for the prevention of women in Nimroz from going to the mosque is unclear, and the Taliban officials have not said anything about this matter.
