Human Rights Group Reports 30% Increase in Targeted and Extrajudicial Killings in Afghanistan

Kokcha News Agency: In its latest report, the human rights group Rawadari has documented a significant rise in targeted, extrajudicial, and suspicious killings in Afghanistan, with a 30% increase compared to the same period in 2024. The report, covering the period from January 1 to August 31, 2025, highlights widespread violations of civil and political rights, particularly against women, as well as discrimination against ethnic and religious minorities.

According to the report, while some forms of violence, such as suicide bombings, explosive attacks, and unexploded ordnance incidents, have decreased in the first half of 2025, targeted and extrajudicial killings have surged. Former government employees, journalists, human rights defenders, and individuals accused of collaborating with or belonging to opposition groups continue to be victims of extrajudicial killings, arbitrary detentions, enforced disappearances, and torture.

Deteriorating Situation for Women:
Rawadari described the situation for women as “significantly worse” during this period, with the Taliban intensifying systematic discrimination and restrictions on women’s fundamental rights and freedoms. The report notes that the Taliban’s moral police have imposed strict dress codes, required male guardians for girls in elementary schools in some provinces, shut down informal educational institutions, and detained their administrators. Women have also been denied healthcare without a male guardian and restricted from accessing public, religious, and even mosque spaces.

The organization labeled these actions as “gender-based persecution and crimes against humanity.”

Increase in Arbitrary Detentions and Harsh Punishments:
The report also highlights a sharp rise in arbitrary detentions and harsh punishments under the Taliban’s so-called “Vice and Virtue” laws. Citizens have been widely detained for reasons such as their clothing, hairstyles, listening to music, and speaking to unrelated members of the opposite sex. Arbitrary detentions have doubled compared to the same period last year.

Additionally, Taliban courts have issued widespread sentences of cruel and inhumane punishments, including executions, stoning, physical punishments, and public shaming by blackening the faces of the accused. The number of physical punishments carried out in the first half of 2025 has doubled compared to the previous year.

Systematic Discrimination Against Minorities:
Rawadari also reported “systematic discrimination” against ethnic and religious minorities, with the Taliban imposing severe restrictions on religious practices and suppressing differing religious beliefs. In some cases, minorities have been forced to convert their religion.

Methodology:
The findings of the report are based on interviews and ongoing communication with local sources, including victims and their families, eyewitnesses, civil activists, journalists, teachers, government employees, defense lawyers, healthcare workers, and national and international organizations across 32 provinces in Afghanistan.