UNAMA: Detention of individuals for exercising their right to freedom of expression is concerning

Bayan News – The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) has expressed concern over the detention of Julia Parsi and Neda Parwani, two female protesters.

In a statement released today, on Saturday, September 29th, the organization stated, “Two women’s rights activists named Neda Parvani and Julia Parsi, along with their family members, have been detained by the authorities in Kabul over the past ten days.”

The UNAMA statement further mentioned that activists and journalists such as Murtaza Behboudi, Matiullah Wesa, and Rasoul Parsi continue to remain in detention.

The United Nations Assistance Mission office has urged the interim government authorities in Kabul to put an end to arbitrary detentions and ensure that all detainees have access to their families, defense lawyers, and medical care. They have also called for the protection of their rights to a fair trial.

Three days ago, it was reported that security forces had detained Julia Parsi and her son in Kabul, and a few days prior, Neda Parvani, along with her underage son and husband, were also detained.

Julia Parsi and Neda Parvani were active women protesters who had participated in several protests against the policies implemented by the interim government in Kabul over the past two years.

The authorities of the interim government in Kabul have not commented on this matter so far.