By: Zubaida
Civil rights and education advocate Hamed Qarloq has been released from Taliban custody nearly six weeks after his detention.
A close relative, speaking anonymously due to the sensitivity of the issue, confirmed to Rasad News that Qarloq was reunited with his family on Wednesday. His release comes after extensive efforts by civil society, including public protests and widespread social media campaigns demanding his freedom.
The Taliban arrested Qarloq on November 13 in Dasht-e-Qala district, Takhar province, northern Afghanistan. Reports suggest he had been collecting donations to rebuild a local school when he was detained.
Human rights groups and activists had decried Qarloq’s arrest as arbitrary, emphasizing his longstanding commitment to aiding underprivileged communities. Calls for his immediate and unconditional release were echoed across various platforms, spotlighting his selfless dedication to education and civil rights.
Since the Taliban’s return to power in 2021, the regime has faced mounting criticism for its treatment of activists, journalists, and artists. Dozens have reportedly been arrested, detained, or subjected to torture, raising concerns about the erosion of basic freedoms in the country.
Qarloq’s release marks a rare victory for Afghanistan’s embattled civil society, which continues to advocate for justice and human rights under increasingly challenging circumstances.
