human rights defender

Abuzar Sarem Sarpuli

Actions and Campaigns

HRD's year of birth

1988

HRD's Gender

Man

Type of HRD

  • Journalist/Blogger

HRD's thematic area of engagement

  • Civil and political rights
  • Women's rights

HRD's geographical origin

Urban

Current Status

In prison (pre-trial)

HRD's bio and work

Abuzar Sarem Sarpuli served as the head of several media institutions in Afghanistan, including the Afghanistan Media Organization (AMO), Tawana News Agency, and the Afghan Women Journalists’ Organization. Through these platforms, he actively promoted press freedom, gender inclusion in media, and capacity-building for journalists across the country. Sarpuli played a key role in documenting the challenges faced by Afghan media following the Taliban's return to power. On World Press Freedom Day in 2025, he publicly highlighted the drastic reduction in media outlets (from 700 to 400) and journalists (from 12,000 to 4,000) in Afghanistan. He also issued statements condemning the closure of local radio stations and advocated for the safety and rights of female journalists. On 30 July 2025, the Taliban's Ministry for the Propagation of Virtue and Prevention of Vice announced his arrest on accusations of “moral corruption” and alleged ties with foreign intelligence—charges widely seen as politically motivated. His detention reflects the growing crackdown on independent media and civil society in Afghanistan. Sarpuli is widely recognized as a courageous advocate for freedom of expression and civic space under highly repressive conditions.

Detained since

Jul 30, 2025

Charge(s)

  • Anti-government propaganda
  • Corruption
  • Other

Geolocation of detention

Country or area of detention

Region of detention

  • Asia: Southern Asia

Location of detention - City/Town

Kabul

Recent case update / evolution

No new specific updates have surfaced regarding Abuzar Sarem Sarpuli

Any other relevant documents

https://future-afghanistan.com/fa/13285/

https://www.jomhornews.com/fa/news/184472/

https://khorasantimes.com/?p=16656

https://oxus.tv/2025/07/31/journalist-close-to-taliban-arrested-on-charges-of-corruption-and-espionage/

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