Afghan Female Judges and Prosecutors Face Serious Threats Under Taliban Rule
The Arabic magazine Al-Manara has published a report titled “The Struggles of Afghan Female Judges and Prosecutors Under Taliban Rule,” highlighting the severe risks these women are facing in Afghanistan today.
One of these judges, Marzia Babakarkhail, expressed deep concern, saying that Afghanistan’s legal system has collapsed. She explained that the Taliban’s judiciary operates without any clear legal standards, respect for rights, or proper legal procedures.
According to her, all former male and female judges have been removed from their positions, and instead, unqualified Taliban loyalists have been appointed. As a result, public trust in the judicial system has sharply declined.
She further stated that the Taliban have stripped legal institutions of their independence. They have not only dissolved the bar association but have also taken over the role of supervising lawyers themselves.
Babakarkhail emphasized that legal professionals—especially female judges and prosecutors—are now living under constant threat. They face harassment, violence, arbitrary arrests, enforced disappearances, and systematic surveillance.
Another female prosecutor voiced similar fears, revealing that the Taliban have imprisoned several female judges and prosecutors, while many others have been forced to flee the country.
She appealed to the international community for urgent help and called for the evacuation and protection of these women to ensure their safety.
Although there have been previous reports about the uncertain fate of female legal professionals in Afghanistan, the international response so far has been largely insufficient and disappointing.
