Sharp Rise in Number of Women Prisoners Across Afghanistan

According to recently released statistics from the Taliban’s relevant department, the number of women prisoners in Afghanistan has increased to 1,825. These women are being held in 34 separate prisons across 34 provinces of the country.

The data shows that Kabul province has the highest number with 469 women prisoners, followed by Herat and Balkh provinces. The distribution of prisons throughout the provinces indicates that the detention of women is not limited to just one or two areas.

The information also reveals that the number of women prisoners has increased by 18.7 percent compared to last year. This rise, alongside reports of a several-fold increase in female incarceration, raises questions about the reasons behind these detentions and the transparency of judicial and legal procedures in the country.

Women’s rights activists have repeatedly warned that since the Taliban’s return to power, restrictions and harsh measures against women in various aspects of social life have intensified. The detention of women without clear access to fair judicial processes has heightened concerns over violations of their fundamental rights.