Witness 2 Written Testimony

I am an Afghan woman and a human rights activist. After graduating from university in 2017 through a competitive exam process, I began my professional work as a member of the Prosecutor’s Office of Appeals in one of Afghanistan’s provinces.

During my service, I handled many cases — including murder, assault, armed robbery, narcotics trafficking, and membership in terrorist groups. I investigated and prepared cases for trial, presented them to the courts, and followed them through to judgment. I was familiar with many criminals personally because of my official duties.

Alongside my government work, I collaborated with the United Nations Office and consistently engaged in human rights activities, working for justice and gender equality.

Because of my dedication and efforts in women’s rights and civil society, I received appreciation letters from women’s affairs departments and other organizations.

However, after the fall of the Afghan government, everything changed. The terrorist group Taliban took control and closed all government offices and educational centers for women.

In protest against this oppression, I joined a group of brave Afghan women who took to the streets to raise our voices and demand our rights peacefully. Even though our protest was peaceful, the Taliban responded with brutal repression.

On December 18, 2022, Taliban forces raided my house, beat me violently with gun butts, sticks, and fists, and arrested me without any explanation or interrogation. They took me to an intelligence prison without even asking a single question.

After the torture, they threw me into a dark solitary cell, where I remained for about a week. I received only a small amount of food and water once every 24 hours. Throughout this entire period, I had no idea what I had been accused of.

While in prison, I suffered both physical and psychological torture. I was repeatedly insulted, humiliated, and threatened by the Taliban guards. At that time, I was two months pregnant. Every moment I feared for my life. Because of the torture, I suffered severe bleeding and miscarried my child.

After a week, my tribal elders intervened and guaranteed my release on the condition that I would not speak to the media or share what had happened. Outwardly, it seemed like I had been freed, but in reality, I was living in fear for my life.

That same night, terrified for my safety, I escaped Kabul under the cover of darkness. I later lived secretly in another part of the city for some time, but the Taliban kept contacting my guarantors, demanding that I return.

As the threats and dangers increased, I had no choice but to leave Afghanistan entirely.

I now live in a refugee camp in Germany.

My humble request to everyone present in this session is this:
Please do not forget Afghan women like me — those who have been tortured, abused, and imprisoned by the Taliban without any crime.

Please raise our voices to the world. Do not leave the innocent and suffering women of Afghanistan alone.