Key facts
- UNAMA documented 443 arbitrary arrests and detentions by morality police between July and September.
- UNAMA documented 97 cases of ill-treatment by morality police during the same period.
- Four killings and 14 arbitrary detentions of former Afghan security force members were recorded.
- Taliban spokesperson Zabiullah Mujahid rejected the UNAMA findings.
The United Nations mission in Afghanistan reported that Taliban morality police arbitrarily detained hundreds of people and subjected dozens to ill-treatment between July and September. The UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) documented 443 arbitrary arrests and detentions and 97 cases of ill-treatment during this period, linked to alleged violations of dress codes, beard styles, and music bans. The report also noted four killings and 14 arbitrary detentions of former Afghan security force members, despite an announced general amnesty. Cross-border incidents during the quarter resulted in 13 civilian deaths and 20 injuries. UNAMA also reported the suspension of several media outlets and that Afghan women remained barred from UN premises. Taliban spokesperson Zabiullah Mujahid rejected the findings, calling them propaganda and asserting that detentions were lawful.