human rights defender

Faizullah Jalal

Actions and Campaigns

© @Pajhwok

Urgent support needed

Mental health therapy and education

HRD's year of birth

1963

HRD's Gender

Man

Type of HRD

  • Academic

HRD's thematic area of engagement

  • Civil and political rights

HRD's geographical origin

Urban

Current Status

Released

HRD's bio and work

Faizullah Jalal is a prominent Afghan professor, human rights defender, and political analyst.

Born in Badakhshan in 1963, he has long advocated for justice, civil rights, and inclusive governance in Afghanistan. With a PhD in political science, he has held key academic positions and participated in drafting the country’s constitution.

Jalal remained politically independent during Afghanistan’s turbulent years and was known for his outspoken criticism of both past governments and the Taliban.

In 2022, after publicly challenging the Taliban in televised debates and defending girls’ right to education, he was arrested and reportedly subjected to violence. His arrest was linked to his critical remarks and his stance on national and human rights issues.

Detained since

Jun 8, 20222

Date of release

Jun 12, 2022

Charge(s)

  • Anti-government propaganda
  • Corruption

Sentence

Detained without sentencing; released after more than four days in custody.

Latitude: 34.5266735874535

Longitude: 69.19321504305701

Geolocation of detention

Country or area of detention

Region of detention

  • Asia: Southern Asia

Location of detention - City/Town

Kabul

Location of detention - Facility

Directorate of 40th of Intelligence Agency

Allegations / reports of ill-treatment

He was insulted and beaten with punches and kicks.

Recent case update / evolution

Released after more than four days in Taliban custody without charge

Any other relevant documents

https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2022/01/taliban-must-release-professor-faizullah-jalal/

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/1/11/taliban-releases-afghan-professor-faizullah-jalal

https://www.dw.com/en/taliban-release-prominent-afghan-academic-faizullah-jalal/a-60391634

https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2022/jan/10/calls-for-release-of-kabul-university-professor-detained-by-taliban

https://edm.parliament.uk/early-day-motion/59330/detention-of-professor-faizulla-jalal

https://www.tbsnews.net/world/south-asia/taliban-arrest-afghan-professor-after-social-media-criticism-355177

https://pajhwok.com/2022/01/12/jailed-academic-jalal-released-from-custody/

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