Date: 11/03/1443 To the authorities of the Intelligence Department of Balkh Province!
Number: 22
Date: 2021-10-18
Subject: Arrest and punishment of certain individuals who have acted against and continue to act against the laws of the Islamic Emirate.
According to the decision of the Islamic Emirate of Balkh, a number of individuals, whose list has been previously published, should be arrested and punished for their actions and activities against the Islamic Emirate. Some of these individuals have fled the country, while others are still within the country. The intelligence authorities of the Islamic Emirate are instructed to seriously identify and arrest these individuals. Additionally, the city patrol authorities and the checkpoints at the exits of Mazar-i-Sharif are instructed to pay serious attention to identifying and arresting these individuals.

This directive issued by Taliban authorities in Balkh Province on October 18, 2021, orders the arrest and punishment of civic activists accused of acting against the laws of the "Islamic Emirate." It authorizes broad surveillance and detention efforts by intelligence forces and local patrol units, without reference to legal standards, charges, or judicial procedures. The vagueness of the accusations, lack of due process guarantees, and the sweeping mandate given to security forces raise serious concerns about arbitrary detention, targeting of political dissent, and the abuse of state power to suppress opposition.