The number of professors, students and other individuals reportedly arrested by the Taliban from the Khatam al-Nabiyyin Seminary has risen to 28, according to Tamadan TV.
The media outlet reported that the detainees were taken into custody following the Taliban’s operation at the prominent Shia seminary. Those detained reportedly include members of the seminary’s teaching staff and students, along with other individuals who were present at the institution.
According to Tamadan TV, the detainees are currently being held at the Taliban-controlled Third Police District in Kabul. The arrests were reportedly carried out on the orders of the Taliban’s Minister of Justice and officials from the ministry.
The latest figures have raised concerns among Afghanistan’s Shia community and religious circles over the treatment of the seminary and its members. Khatam al-Nabiyyin is considered one of the country’s prominent Shia religious institutions and has longstanding religious and educational significance.
Details about the reasons for the arrests, the legal basis for the detentions and the condition of those being held have not been independently confirmed. Taliban authorities have also not provided a detailed public explanation regarding the reported detention of the 28 individuals.
The development comes amid wider concerns over restrictions facing Shia religious institutions in Kabul. The reported arrests could further intensify scrutiny of the Taliban’s policies toward religious and community organizations.
Further information is expected regarding the detainees and whether they will be released or face formal charges.