Hibatullah Orders Seizure of Opponents’ Property under the Label “Absentees”.
Mullah Hibatullah Akhundzada, the Taliban leader, has ordered that the property of “absent” individuals and those accused of corruption be seized by the group’s military courts.
Previously, the Taliban’s administrative office managed property matters, but the new directive transfers all authority to military courts, formally legalizing the expropriation of citizens’ assets.
Under this order, property of “absentees” will be preserved until return or final resolution, while assets of those accused of corruption will remain under military court control.
It is unclear exactly who qualifies as an “absentee,” but it appears that individuals who left the country due to fear of the Taliban or economic hardship are the main targets. Military courts in the provinces will also be responsible for reviewing and registering these properties.
Observers and human rights experts warn that this order officially legitimizes Taliban expropriation and extortion, creating a process similar to historical plunder by armed groups.
Previously, Taliban commanders in various provinces were accused of illegally seizing the property of migrants and former officials; the new directive effectively expands their authority for abuse and coercion.
