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Sexual violence use to silence dissent widespread in Afghanistan
The failure of international institutions, from the UN to the ICC, to hold the Taliban accountable for the brutal repression of women creates a climate of tolerance for daily crimes by the patriarchal regime, writes SHUKRIA RAHIMI
NOT ALONE: Protesters demonstrate on February 25, 2025 outside Lord's Cricket Ground in London, against England's cricket match against Afghanistan in a Champions Trophy. Female participation in sport has been outlawed in Afghanistan since the Tailban returned to power in 2021

IN A SMALL, windowless room inside a Taliban prison, a young woman sits on the cold concrete floor. Her hands, once raised in defiance at a protest, are now bruised and bound.

She does not know how long she has been here — days, maybe weeks. The guards do not say much; their actions speak for them. When they enter, she knows what is coming. She does not scream any more. She knows no-one is listening.

This is not an isolated incident. This is policy.

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