The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom, an official American institution, stated on Wednesday that religious freedom in Afghanistan under Taliban rule has been completely eliminated .
The statement noted that the Taliban group suppresses those with different religious beliefs and perspectives.
Vicki Hartzler, the commission’s chair, said that over the past four years, the Taliban group has completely destroyed religious freedom in Afghanistan.
She warned that all Afghans, especially religious minorities, face serious risks of harassment, physical punishment, and arbitrary detention.
The commission also warned against the potential deportation of Afghan refugees from the United States, stating that returning them could bring the risk of Taliban retaliation.
Asif Mahmoud, the commission’s vice chair, urged the US government to continue legal protection for Afghan refugees and not deport them
He emphasized that those who fled religious persecution, especially women, must be protected as their fundamental rights are being destroyed under Taliban rule.
