Taliban Arrest Shia Community Leaders Over Muharram Flags.
Local sources say the Taliban’s Ministry of Justice arrested several Shia community elders and representatives on Tuesday, June 23, 2026 (2 Saratan 1405) after summoning them to the ministry.
According to sources, the individuals had visited the ministry on behalf of the Shia Scholars Council and the Shia High Commission and were held there for several hours.
The sources claim Taliban officials demanded the removal of Muharram mourning flags from Shia mosques and Husseiniyas, reportedly making their release conditional on accepting the order.
The Taliban has not officially commented on the reports.
The incident comes after recent reports of arrests in Kabul linked to the display of Muharram flags, raising concerns among Shia communities over possible restrictions on religious ceremonies and practices ahead of Muharram.
