Taliban Releases Women's Rights Activist Neda Parwani After Four-Month Detention

Neda Parwani, a prominent women's rights activist, along with her husband and child, were released by the Taliban after nearly four months in detention.

This news was confirmed on Thursday by fellow activists Hoda Khamosh and Parwana Ibrahimkhel. Parwani, a key figure in the Spontaneous Movement of Afghan Women, was arrested with her family in Kabul on 19 September.

A source close to Parwani revealed to Afghanistan International that Parwani's health has deteriorated, necessitating her transfer to a hospital following her release. Ibrahimkhel also verified Parwani's health issues on her social media account on platform X.

Parwani was taken into custody by Taliban fighters from her residence in the Khairkhana area of Kabul. Throughout her detention, the Taliban officials have neither commented on her arrest nor addressed the allegations made against them.

Human rights organisations and defenders have been vocally demanding the release of detained women protesters, particularly Parwani. The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) recently voiced its concern over the arbitrary and prolonged detention of female activists by the Taliban, stating that at least four women's rights activists have been arrested in Kabul.

In a related development, Zhulia Parsi, another women's rights activist, was reportedly moved from Taliban detention to a hospital. Sources indicate that Parsi's transfer was due to the severe physical and mental impacts of torture endured in captivity.

At present, three women activists - Zhulia Parsi, Manizha Sediqi, and Parisa Azada - remain in Taliban custody, raising continued concerns among human rights groups about their well-being and treatment.