Taliban Arrest Two in Balkh for Alleged Sorcery
The Taliban authorities in Balkh province have announced the arrest of two residents of Mazar-i-Sharif on charges of practicing witchcraft in the city’s District Four. The arrests were carried out by the local office of the Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice following complaints from residents.
According to a statement issued by the office, the individuals were detained while using items associated with ‘magical practices’ and subsequently taken to the ministry’s office. Following preliminary investigations, the suspects were handed over to the Taliban’s judicial authorities.
The Taliban claim the two individuals deceived locals using ‘magical tricks’ and collected large sums of money from families in exchange. However, no independent evidence or documentation has been provided to substantiate the allegations.
Concerns have mounted over the fate of the detainees amid growing criticism of the Taliban’s judicial system, which lacks international legitimacy and is frequently accused of lacking due process and transparency. Legal experts highlight the absence of legal representation, harsh punishments, and opaque judicial decisions as major issues in such cases.
