There are reports that Afghan women are arrested under the Taliban’s anti-begging laws. These women have shared horrifying experiences of abuse. These women, who had no other means to survive, said they were subjected to rape, beatings, and forced labor in detention. Many of them also witnessed children being abused and even killed in prison.
Since the Taliban regained power in August 2021, Afghan women have faced severe restrictions. Most are banned from working, forcing many to beg for food and money to feed their families. Earlier this year, the Taliban introduced strict anti-begging laws. These laws target anyone deemed “healthy” and capable of earning enough for a single day’s food.
A system was created to classify beggars into categories like “professional” or “destitute.” Nearly 60,000 beggars have been detained in Kabul alone. Biometric data and fingerprints are collected from those arrested.
Some women described witnessing children being beaten in custody. One woman claimed two children were killed in front of her. “No one dared to speak up,” she said. “If we protested, they’d beat us and call us shameless.”
The Taliban’s anti-begging laws even account for detainee deaths. Article 25 states that if a beggar dies in custody and their family refuses to claim the body, municipal officials will handle the burial.
Though the laws promise financial aid for those classified as “destitute,” none of the released women reported receiving any help. One woman said she now relies on her neighbors for scraps of bread. “I don’t dare to beg anymore,” she said. “The Taliban are cruel, but there’s no one to turn to. We are completely alone.”
