Taliban detains seven family members of Shia cleric in Ghor
Local sources in Ghor province say the Taliban administration has detained seven members of the family of Sheikh Mohammad Hamidi, a Shia cleric in Lal wa Sarjangal district, amid continued pressure on Shiites. His own whereabouts remain unknown.
According to the sources, Taliban forces raided Mr. Hamidi’s home in the Mohajerin township area of Lal wa Sarjangal district early today and took away his son along with six other relatives.
The sources said Sheikh Mohammad Hamidi was also detained by the Taliban on Monday, but was released after public protests. According to the same sources, his release was conditioned on him ceasing all religious and educational activities.
Local sources added that despite these incidents, no clear information has yet been published about Sheikh Mohammad Hamidi’s status or place of detention.
The incident comes as, according to sources, the Taliban administration has intensified pressure on Shiites and Hazaras in recent days. Under these reports, Mohammad Ali Akhlaqi, head of the Supreme Shia Commission, along with several other members of the commission, is also being held in detention.
Lal wa Sarjangal is one of the districts of Ghor province in central Afghanistan, and its population includes a number of Hazaras and followers of the Shia sect.
