Taliban detains Afghan doctor for eight months amid allegations of torture

Local sources in Parwan province report that Dr. Mohammad Sharif Ayoubi, a physician, has been imprisoned and allegedly tortured by the Taliban for the past eight months.

According to these sources, Ayoubi was arrested on March 13, 2023, from his private pharmacy in the Gulbahar area of Jabal Saraj district. The Taliban accused him of "providing medical aid to a member of the National Resistance Front of Afghanistan." However, Ayoubi’s family has firmly denied the allegations, stating that he has no ties to any political or military opposition groups.

Following his arrest, Ayoubi was reportedly held in the Taliban’s intelligence directorates (known as units 40 and 90) before being transferred to Pul-e-Charkhi prison and later to Bagram prison.

The Taliban court sentenced Ayoubi to 10 months in prison, but local sources reveal that despite serving eight months of his sentence, he continues to be subjected to interrogation and has suffered severe physical harm.

The Taliban has not issued any official statement regarding Ayoubi’s arrest or the allegations of torture.

This case underscores growing concerns about arbitrary detentions and human rights abuses under the Taliban regime, particularly targeting professionals and civilians accused of opposing the group. Human rights organizations have repeatedly called for transparency and accountability in the Taliban’s judicial and detention practices.