human rights defender

Wahida Amiri

Actions and Campaigns

© BBC

Organization affiliation

  • Spontaneous Movement of Afghan Women

HRD's year of birth

1990

HRD's Gender

Woman

Type of HRD

  • Social and community leader

HRD's thematic area of engagement

  • Women's rights

HRD's geographical origin

Urban

Current Status

Released

HRD's bio and work

Wahida Amiri was a librarian in Kabul who became a vocal protester against Taliban rule following their takeover in August 2021. She was arrested in February 2022, held in Taliban detention for 19 days, and subjected to forced confessions before being released under the condition that she ceases protesting.

Detained since

Feb 2, 2022

Date of release

Feb 20, 2022

Charge(s)

  • Anti-government propaganda

Sentence

Wahida Amiri was never formally sentenced; she was released on 20 February 2022 after 19 days in Taliban custody

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 40 of General Directorate of Intelligence (GDI)

Allegations / reports of ill-treatment

During her detention by the Taliban in February 2022, Wahida Amiri was subjected to various forms of ill-treatment. She was forced to record a video in which she falsely claimed that Afghan protesters abroad had instructed her to participate in demonstrations, a narrative that undermined the legitimacy of her activism. This coerced confession was later broadcast on TOLOnews, a prominent Afghan news outlet, further exposing her to public scrutiny and potential retribution. Additionally, the Taliban confiscated her family's property documents to exert pressure and prevent her from continuing her advocacy. These actions are consistent with reports from organizations such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, which have documented the Taliban's systematic repression of women's rights activists, including arbitrary detention, torture, and harassment.

Recent case update / evolution

After fleeing Kabul in 2022 following her detention and torture by the Taliban, she has remained active in exile, participating in international forums and speaking out against the Taliban's policies. In July 2024, she testified before the U.S. Congress, urging the recognition of gender apartheid in Afghanistan. In August 2025, she published an article titled "The Library That Wouldn't Fall," reflecting on the resilience of Afghan women in the face of oppression.

Any other relevant documents

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-62441553

https://www.darivoa.com/a/concerns-about-the-detention-of-another-female-protester-by-the-taliban-in-kabul/7359002.html

https://zantimes.com/fa/2024/08/06/amiri-i-had-a-simple-wish/

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