The family of a woman detained for protesting for women’s rights in Afghanistan fears for her safety after she was transferred to a high security prison in Kabul.
Manizha Sidqiqi was transferred to Pol-e-Charkhi prison by the Taliban on Tuesday while in a very poor physical and mental condition, her mother says.
In a voice note, Manizha’s mother calls on the people of Afghanistan to help her daughter and file a lawsuit against the Taliban.
Manizha’s situation has gained the attention of other Afghan women who are posting on social media platforms against her detainment and transfer to the notorious central prison.
They are also calling for the release of others such as Julia Parsi who was also detained for protesting her rights under the Taliban, amid reports that she is in bad health.
A source among Julia Parsi’s colleagues in the Afghan Women’s Spontaneous Movement confirmed the reports saying Julia was taken to hospital last week due to the mistreatment and apparent torture she was receiving from condition.
Manizha was arrested in Karte Naw of Kabul city by Taliban intelligence forces while travelling near her house on December 4, sources say. She was initially held in the directorate of intelligence.
Julia Parsi has been detained for almost two months. She was arrested on October 9 from her house in the Qala-e-Fatullah area of Kabul.
Other prominent women’s rights activists Neda Parwani and Parisa Alizada are also in prison for their peaceful protests, with no timeline on their release.
Despite widespread criticism and requests for information, Taliban officials have declined to comment on these matters.
