human rights defender
Sulaiman Sami
Actions and Campaigns
Urgent support needed
Immediate legal assistance to challenge his detention and ensure fair trial guarantees
Emergency medical care and follow‑up treatment to address injuries sustained under torture
Psychosocial support to help him cope with trauma
Financial aid for his family to cover living expenses and any medical or legal fees incurred on his behalf
HRD's year of birth
1988
HRD's Gender
Man
Type of HRD
- Academic
HRD's thematic area of engagement
- Children's rights
Current Status
In prison (sentenced)
HRD's bio and work
Sulaiman Sami, son of Muhammad Ibrahim, is a teacher from Yakawlang Number 1 district in Bamyan Province, Afghanistan. He taught at a school in the Punjab district.
On March 25, 2024 (6 Hamal 1403 / 16 Ramadan 1445), at approximately 1:00 AM, Mr. Sami was reportedly taken into custody by local intelligence officials in Yakawlang without the presentation of a formal warrant or documented legal process. The arrest was allegedly carried out by the head of local intelligence, identified as Ahmady, with the assistance of an individual named Shoaib Berya.
According to sources, the arrest caused distress among Sami's family and neighbours. It is claimed that during the apprehension, his personal belongings were also taken. Reports further allege that intelligence officials demanded a sum of $5,000 for his release and issued threats regarding his safety in case of non-payment.
Following this, Sami was allegedly subjected to physical abuse, including beatings, and was transferred to the Bamyan provincial intelligence center. Medical attention was later required, and he was taken to Mullah Ghulam Hospital under critical conditions.
Sami remained in detention for approximately 10 months without formal judicial proceedings. Subsequently, a local court sentenced him to seven years and 35 days in prison. He is currently being held in Bamyan prison.
Detained since
Mar 25, 2024
Charge(s)
- Anti-government propaganda
Sentence
He was sentenced by the Taliban’s preliminary court to seven years and 35 days in prison on charges of acting against the regime and managing a fake Facebook page used to publish content critical of the Taliban and local individuals.
Latitude: 34.806228577345856
Longitude: 67.82538356626459
Geolocation of detention
Country or area of detention
Region of detention
- Asia: Southern Asia
Location of detention - City/Town
Bamyan
Allegations / reports of ill-treatment
Sulaiman Sami has been reportedly subjected to severe ill-treatment during his detention by the Taliban. He was arrested without a legal warrant, and during his interrogation he allegedly endured severe physical torture, including being beaten with a water pipe, kicked, and punched. These beatings resulted in significant injuries, including broken teeth. Due to the severity of his condition, he was transferred to Mullah Ghulam Hospital, where doctors indicated that any delay in treatment could have cost him his life. Additionally, his personal belongings, such as his phone and computer, were confiscated. Sami was detained for nearly 10 months without formal legal proceedings before his trial. These reports raise serious concerns regarding his treatment and the lack of due process under the Taliban's control.
Recent case update / evolution
He remains in Bamyan prison, serving a seven-year sentence. His family’s efforts to secure his release have so far been unsuccessful.
Any other relevant documents
https://kabulnow.com/2025/01/taliban-sentences-bamiyan-teacher-to-seven-years-over-alleged-social-media-posts/
https://8am.media/fa/the-bamiani-teacher-was-sentenced-to-seven-years-in-prison/
https://oxus.tv/2025/01/16/taliban-in-bamyan-sentence-teacher-to-7-years-in-prison/
https://www.etilaatroz.com/219950/طالبان-یک-آموزگار-را-به-اتهام/
Documented by
