human rights defender
Mehrullah Shirzad
Actions and Campaigns
Urgent support needed
Legal assistance and a lawyer to represent him, advocacy with the relevant authorities for his release, regular monitoring and follow-up on his case, and financial support for his family during his detention.
HRD's year of birth
1991
HRD's Gender
Man
Type of HRD
- Journalist/Blogger
HRD's thematic area of engagement
- Civil and political rights
HRD's geographical origin
Urban
Current Status
In prison (pre-trial)
HRD's bio and work
Mehrullah Shirzad is an Afghan journalist and reporter working with Noor TV. His work involves reporting and disseminating information on issues affecting communities in Afghanistan, contributing to freedom of expression and access to information. In July 2026, Taliban authorities reportedly arrested Shirzad in Dara District of Panjshir Province, allegedly because of his cooperation with media outlets operating outside Afghanistan.
Detained since
Jul 22, 2026
Charge(s)
- Anti-government propaganda
Latitude: 35.42520131825634
Longitude: 69.78196429730141
Geolocation of detention
Country or area of detention
Region of detention
- Asia: Southern Asia
Location of detention - City/Town
Panjshir province
Recent case update / evolution
Mehrullah Shirzad was arrested by Taliban authorities in Dara District, Panjshir Province, in July 2026. He was reportedly detained in connection with alleged cooperation with independent media. As of the latest available information, his current detention status and location have not been independently confirmed, and no reliable information regarding his release or judicial proceedings is available.
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