Date: 20/04/1403 A number of Shia individuals in Afghanistan have expressed concern over restrictions imposed by the Taliban on the observance of religious ceremonies during Muharram, particularly Ashura. According to community members, these restrictions affect religious practices in local mosques and public spaces. Two individuals, speaking to Radio Azadi on condition of anonymity, said that the call to prayer (azan) cannot be broadcast over loudspeakers, and that religious ceremonies related to Ashura and Muharram have been banned in their mosques. One noted:

“Unfortunately, they have closed the water stations used to distribute offerings to visitors of Imam Hussain. The volume of mosque speakers has been muted, and they are not allowing it to be raised. We've also heard they are taking down the flags of Hussain.”
Although Taliban spokespersons did not respond to media inquiries, a local Ashura organizing committee confirmed the existence of such restrictions.

Reports of Taliban-imposed restrictions on Shia Muharram and Ashura ceremonies—including bans on mosque loudspeakers, the removal of flags, and the shutdown of traditional water stations—reflect a systematic effort to suppress Shia religious expression. These claims are reinforced by circulating videos allegedly showing Taliban forces confiscating religious symbols, though their authenticity remains unverified. The removal of Ashura from the national calendar and the Taliban's refusal to respond to inquiries underscore a pattern of sectarian marginalization and erasure, carried out under the pretext of “security” but rooted in ideological repression of minority identity.