UN Special Reporter on human right calls for investigation into death of Hamza Alfat, a civil activist

Jumhuri Mudara: Richard Bennett, the UN Special reporter on human rights has called for an investigation and accountability from Taliban regarding the death of Hamza Alfat, a civil activist.

Mr. Alfat, who was recently released from Taliban custody, passed away a few days after his release at his home in Kabul.

Although detailed information about Mr. Alfat’s family have told some media outlets that he was arrested by Taliban intelligence forces 3 months ago and subjected to severe torture while in custody.

On Sunday night, January 19^th, Richard Bennett wrote on his account on X platform that the news regarding to Hamza Alfat’s death is “deeply distressing”.

Bennett called for an investigation in to the circumstances of Hamza Alfat’s death and for the Taliban to be held accountable.

Meanwhile, Freshta Abbasi, a researcher on Afghanistan at human right watch, also stated that Hamza Alfat was arrested and tortured by Taliban due to his activism.

On Sunday, Abbasi wrote on he X platform: “I can not believe that he is no longer among us. Hamza was an incredible individual who stood alongside protesting women in Dasht-e-Barchi”.

According to sources, after his release, Taliban warned Hamza Alfat to not provide information to the media about his condation while in their custody.

Hamza Alfat was a civile activist in Kabul who is reported to have played role in women’s protests.

Mr.Alfat’s death has raised serious concerns about the fate and conditions of other activists detailed in Taliban prisons.