Date: 11/12/1403

Re-Arrest of Teachers and Closure of Educational Center in Daikundi
Local sources in Sangtakht and Bandar Districts of Daikundi Province reported that Taliban intelligence forces arrested and detained nine teachers, including the director of the New Horizon English Language Center, for a second time. According to sources speaking to Rakhshana Media, the teachers were summoned to the Primary Court on Wednesday, 28 February 2025, and were subsequently detained and transferred to the police headquarters of Sangtakht and Bandar Districts.

The same teachers had previously been arrested on 13 January 2025 and released after several days of detention following mediation efforts by tribal elders. Sources reported that the Taliban have now closed the New Horizon Educational Center and its four branches located in Salbito, Siasang Ghajurbash, Navesai, and Dahn Shamshar Sang. The arrests were reportedly carried out on accusations of violating Taliban regulations and promoting “un-Islamic culture.” Efforts by tribal elders and local community members to secure the release of the teachers have so far been unsuccessful.

The re-arrest and continued detention of nine teachers in Daikundi Province reflects the systematic targeting of educators and educational initiatives by Taliban authorities as part of broader efforts to control knowledge, expression, and social norms. The use of summons to the primary court followed by detention at police facilities, without transparency or due process, indicates arbitrary deprivation of liberty. The closure of an educational center and its branches, coupled with accusations of promoting “un-Islamic culture,” demonstrates the use of ideological enforcement to suppress independent education and civic activity. These actions undermine educational access, academic freedom, and personal security, and contribute to a climate of fear among educators and students, particularly in already marginalized regions.