Hassan Fazelzada, the head of the Khatam al-Anbiya cultural and religious complex in west Kabul, has declared he is "fully satisfied" with the Taliban's Ministry of Justice's decision regarding the center, following his arrest by the group. However, sources suggest he was forced to make this statement.
In late September (Sonbola), agents from the Taliban's Ministry of Justice raided the major Shia center, shutting it down and arresting Mr. Fazelzada. After his release, he traveled with Noorullah Noori, the Taliban's Minister of Tribal Affairs, to the Jaghori district of Ghazni province, where he made the remarks.
During a ceremony in Jaghori, Mr. Fazelzada said, "I am fully satisfied with the explanations and investigations of the Ministry of Justice, and I consider the decision to be fair and acceptable." He also described the conduct of Abdul Hakim Sharai, the Taliban's Minister of Justice, as "compassionate and reassuring."
The Shia cleric added that "some malicious currents and circles" had misrepresented the situation of the complex. Despite this, sources close to the matter believe his statements were coerced and made under pressure to legitimize the Taliban's takeover of the religious center.
The Khatam al-Anbiya complex, which includes a mosque, liary, and educational facilities, is one of the most significant Shia cultural and religious centers in Kabul. It belonged to the late Ayatollah Fazel, a former Shia leader, and its management was taken over by his son, Sayed Hassan Fazelzada, after his passing.
Mr. Fazelzada's appearance alongside a Taliban minister and his expression of satisfaction after a period of detention have raised serious questions and concerns about the independence and safety of religious leaders and the fate of minority cultural-religious centers under Taliban rule.
Source: Zarin TV
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