KABUL, AFGHANISTAN – The Taliban arrested 70 Shia Hazara residents in Daikundi province’s Ashterlai district on Friday for attempting to hold Eid al-Adha prayers a day earlier than the date set by the Taliban’s Supreme Court.
According to local sources, the group had gathered on Friday, June 6, to observe Eid al-Adha, in line with the Shia religious calendar. However, Taliban forces reportedly intervened, blocking the prayer gathering and detaining those in attendance.
Later that evening, 63 of the detainees were released, but seven remained in custody. On Sunday, five of those were released, leaving two still behind bars as of this report.
Sources also confirmed that the Taliban prevented Eid prayers from taking place on Friday in other parts of the province, including the capital city Nili, as well as the Khedir and Miramor districts.
Taliban officials in Daikundi have not issued any statement regarding the arrests.
While the Taliban’s Supreme Court officially designated Saturday as Eid al-Adha, the Shia-majority population in Daikundi had planned to observe the holiday on Friday, consistent with their religious tradition.
Since the Taliban’s return to power in August 2021, there have been repeated reports of arrests and harassment of Shia Muslims, particularly over differences in religious observances. During last year’s Eid al-Fitr, the Taliban reportedly forced some Shia communities to break their fasts earlier than scheduled.
Shia clerics have condemned these actions, asserting that they cannot abide by the Taliban’s Supreme Court rulings on matters of faith that contradict their own religious beliefs and practices.
