Ex-Afghan Intelligence Head Condemns Taliban's Suppression of Dissent

Masoom Stanekzai, the former chief of Afghanistan's National Directorate of Security, has called on the Taliban to learn from the past and choose a path beneficial for the Afghan citizen’s well-being.

He criticised the Taliban's policy of detaining and suppressing opposition, stating, "filling the prisons will not strengthen your system."

While Stanekzai did not mention specific groups, the Taliban have been known to target human rights defenders and women's education advocates in recent years, actions that have drawn international condemnation.

On Wednesday, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) echoed similar concerns, urging the Taliban to halt the arbitrary arrests of individuals advocating for girls' education. UNAMA highlighted the importance of upholding rights to family, legal representation, care, and a fair trial.

In a social media post, Stanekzai emphasised that a sustainable political system requires justice, national unity, and both national and international legitimacy. He advocated for national reconciliation in Afghanistan, a goal he pursued as a key figure in former President Ashraf Ghani's government. However, the Taliban have historically rejected dialogue with Afghan political figures and groups, undermining reconciliation efforts.