Afghanistan: Journalist jailed for reporting on women’s rights

Hamid Farhadi, a journalist working for an independent exile-based newspaper, was arrested by Taliban Ministry of Interior officials on September 3, 2024. He was sentenced to two years in prison on September 19, without access to a lawyer.

The court accused him of “spreading propaganda” through his reporting on the situation of women and girls in Afghanistan.

On March 28, 2025, authorities transferred him from Pol-e Charkhi Prison to the notorious Bagram Prison—without any explanation or prior notice. His family is only allowed one 30-minute visit per month.

Hamid Farhadi is imprisoned solely for peacefully exercising his right to freedom of expression. He must be immediately and unconditionally released.

Here’s what you can do:

Write to the Ministry of Interior urging the authorities to:

• Ensure the immediate and unconditional release of Hamid Farhadi.
• Ensure that, until his release, he is held in conditions meeting international standards of fairness and has regular access to adequate healthcare, legal representation and family visits.
• Stop the practices of arbitrary detention and torture and other ill-treatment of people working to defend human rights including those peacefully promoting social change and non-discrimination.

Journalist targeted for his reporting

Hamid Farhadi is a journalist who worked with Etilaatroz, an independent newspaper operating in exile. He previously contributed to various research and media organizations, including Qara Consultancy, Tolo, and the former High Council for National Reconciliation.

For the past three years, Farhadi has reported on the increasing restrictions placed on women and girls by the Taliban. His recent coverage of the ban on girls’ education is believed to have triggered his arrest and detention.

Arrest, trial and transfer without due process

On September 3, 2024, Taliban Ministry of Interior forces arrested Hamid Farhadi at his home. They provided no explanation or official warrant. His brother was also taken but released two days later.

The Taliban accused Farhadi of spreading anti-regime content, claiming they had “substantial evidence.” He was brought before the Taliban court three times and sentenced to two years in prison on September 19, 2024. He was denied access to a lawyer throughout the process.

He was initially held in Pol-e Charkhi prison. On March 28, 2025, he was transferred without notice to Bagram prison, which is known for holding political prisoners. On April 16, 2025, his family was allowed a brief 30-minute visit, conducted through a glass window and in the presence of a Taliban soldier.

Shrinking civic space in Afghanistan

Farhadi’s arrest has sparked condemnation from journalists and human rights activists. Many have called for his immediate and unconditional release.

Civic space in Afghanistan has sharply declined. Journalists, women protestors, civil society groups, and political activists are seen as enemies of the Taliban regime. Afghanistan remains one of the most dangerous countries in the world for human rights defenders.

Since the Taliban took power, repression has intensified. Those who challenge their policies face intimidation, arrest, and violence. As a result, many human rights defenders have been forced to flee and seek international protection.

Please take action as soon as possible until August 31, 2025. The UA will be duly updated should there be the need for further action.