human rights defender
Mozhda Uzbek
Actions and Campaigns
Urgent support needed
Legal assistance and representation, advocacy for her immediate and unconditional release, verification of her whereabouts and detention conditions, and protection from torture and ill-treatment.
HRD's year of birth
1985
HRD's Gender
Woman
Type of HRD
- Artist
- Social and community leader
HRD's thematic area of engagement
- Civil and political rights
- Economic, social and cultural rights
- Minorities’ rights
- Women's rights
HRD's geographical origin
Urban
HRD's bio and work
Mozhda Uzbek is an Afghan Uzbek teacher, poet and writer from Khwaja Ghar District, Takhar Province. She has been involved in education and cultural and literary activities, particularly poetry and writing, and is reportedly the mother of five children. She is known locally for her cultural and literary work.
Current Status
In prison (pre-trial)
Detained since
Oct 2, 2026
Charge(s)
- Other
Latitude: 36.95988073740679
Longitude: 69.62625395773134
Geolocation of detention
Country or area of detention
Region of detention
- Asia: Southern Asia
Location of detention - City/Town
Khwaja Ghar District, Takhar Province, Afghanistan
Location of detention - Facility
Taliban Intelligence detention facility
Allegations / reports of ill-treatment
She was subjected to pressure and torture during detention.
Recent case update / evolution
On 2 October 2026, Mozhda Uzbek was detained by Taliban intelligence in Khwaja Ghar District, Takhar Province, reportedly in connection with critical poetry and alleged links with Rahila Dostum. She was reportedly later transferred to Taloqan and remains in detention. Her husband, who was detained with her, was subsequently released. Recent reports have raised concerns about her safety and alleged ill-treatment
Any other relevant documents
8AM – Detention of Mozhda Uzbek and her husband by Taliban intelligence
Afghanistan International – Taliban detain Mozhda Uzbek over critical poetry and alleged contact with Rahila Dostum
Documented by
