Hamza Arefi Ulfat, a teacher, was arrested four months ago by the Taliban Intelligence Department in Kabul. Now, after four months, he is still in prison.
Hamza Arefi Ulfat is from Khideer district of Daikandi province and graduated from Rahnavard University of Mazar-i-Sharif in the field of law and politics. Ulfat worked as a teacher in Daikundi and Balkh provinces, and before his arrest, he was teaching the art of speech to young people in educational centres in the west of Kabul. Ulfat was also a member of the Enlightenment movement and made a great contribution to civic activities.
“The Taliban’s 95th Directorate, in cooperation with Maidan Wardak Intelligence, arrested Hamza from west of Kabul on the afternoon of Wednesday, February 8th. In the first step, they took him to his room to confiscate his belongings. Then they took his belongings away and beat him in a very cruel way in front of the people of the region,” a member of Mr Ulfat’s family said to VOC News.
He added, “Ulfat was a teacher and was not related to any political or military movement. The only reason for his arrest is criticising the Taliban group.”
He continued: “A member of our family saw Ulfat from behind the window in the 40th intelligence headquarters of the Taliban one month and ten days ago and he also talked to his mother once on the phone. His condition is serious and worrying. We approached all the Taliban offices, but we didn’t get any response. The Taliban do not pay any attention to our position. Also, we have gone to request for support from the Shia Conflict Resolution Commission and the Ulama Council several times, but we have not received any help from them either.”
He further added that the Taliban are going to take Ulfat to court. But it is not known when this court will be held.
The arrest of civilians by the Taliban continues, as two days ago, three people, one of whom is a poet, were arrested by the Taliban’s intelligence department.
Mohsen Ara
