Taliban intelligence detains Instagram activist in Khost

Local sources in Khost say Taliban intelligence has arrested Rahim Sikandar, a former supporter of the group on social media, in the city of Khost and transferred him to an unknown location.

According to one source, the incident took place yesterday, Saturday, 31 Asad, when Taliban intelligence forces took Rahim Sikandar from his shop in Khost city. No further details have yet been released about his fate or place of detention.

The source added that in recent weeks Rahim Sikandar had been continuously criticising Taliban policies and posting material on Facebook. Based on this information, his arrest was carried out after those criticisms.

According to available information, Rahim Sikandar previously worked in Kabul with Radio Hurryat, which is considered close to the Taliban administration. He was also detained by the Taliban administration last year and later removed from his job.

Rahim Sikandar has had a clothing shop in Khost city for about a year. Khost province is located in southeastern Afghanistan and borders Pakistan.