human rights defender

Abdul Aleem Khamosh

Actions and Campaigns

Urgent support needed

Abdul Aleem Khamoosh urgently requires protection from arbitrary detention and potential further abuse. His family is advocating for his immediate release, and he needs legal assistance and monitoring by human rights organizations to ensure his safety.

HRD's year of birth

1988

HRD's Gender

Man

Type of HRD

  • Academic

HRD's thematic area of engagement

  • Economic, social and cultural rights

HRD's geographical origin

Urban

Current Status

In prison (sentenced)

HRD's bio and work

Abdul Aleem Khamosh is a teacher from Janikhil district, Paktika province, Afghanistan. He is known locally for promoting education and encouraging students to value modern sciences alongside traditional religious studies. As a dedicated educator, he often spoke to his students about the importance of knowledge, critical thinking, and modern learning as tools for Afghanistan’s future. Khamosh’s emphasis on science and modern education drew the attention of Taliban authorities, who accused him of “blasphemy” after he reportedly told students that modern sciences are more important than religious studies. His arrest and sentencing highlight the risks faced by Afghan teachers and activists who advocate for progressive education under Taliban rule.

Detained since

Jul 2, 2025

Charge(s)

  • Blasphemy

Sentence

Initially sentenced to death in July 2023 by a Taliban court in Paktika on charges of “blasphemy,” but in the second hearing in September 2023, the sentence was reduced to two years in prison. A third hearing may still be held.

Local sources in Paktika confirmed that Abdul-Aleem Khamosh, who had been sentenced to death, has been given a two-year prison sentence in his second court hearing. The Taliban had previously announced that, according to a ruling by the Paktika court, Abdul-Aleem should be executed on charges of “insulting Islam.”

Geolocation of detention

Country or area of detention

Region of detention

  • Asia: Southern Asia

Location of detention - City/Town

Sharan, Paktika Province

Location of detention - Facility

Paktika Central Prison

Allegations / reports of ill-treatment

He faced intimidation, threats, and an opaque legal process, with no clear access to legal representation, leaving him at risk of further unfair treatment

Recent case update / evolution

He was arrested by Taliban forces in Paktika (Janikhel district) in July 2023 on charges of “insulting Islam” for allegedly saying modern sciences are more important than religious studies. Initially sentenced to death by a local Taliban court, his sentence was later reduced in September 2023 to two years in prison. A third hearing is reportedly being considered. His family denies the charges and is continuing to seek his release and fair treatment.

Any other relevant documents

https://www.afintl.com/202509214665

https://www.etilaatroz.com/235779/death-sentence-for-abdul-aleem-khamos/

https://dunyanews.tv/en/World/895417-man-sentenced-to-death-in-afghanistan-over-alleged-blasphemy

https://voiceow.com/fa/فرمان-اعدام-عبدالعلیم-خاموش-و-توهم-اس/

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