Hazara community representatives, Shia religious scholars and local elders have accused justice Minister Abdul Hakim Sharaei of discriminatory treatment toward the country’s Shia population, calling for an investigation into what they described as systematic discrimination.
In a joint statement issued on Thursday, August 6, the representatives alleged that members of the Hazara and Shia communities have faced increasing restrictions under the justice minister’s leadership and urged authorities to address their concerns and protect the rights of Shia citizens.
The statement accused Sharaei of showing disrespect toward Shia religious scholars, community elders and religious beliefs. It further alleged that several Shia mosques and cemeteries have been closed, residents of predominantly Shia areas have been detained, and a number of religious and cultural centres have been shut down.
The representatives also referred to Omid-e Sabz Township in western Kabul, alleging that authorities declared parts of the residential area to be state property and ordered residents to vacate sections of the settlement. They warned that the move could result in the displacement of local families.
The statement described these actions as examples of systematic discrimination and warned that continued restrictions could deepen social divisions and increase pressure on Afghanistan’s Shia minority.
The Hazara community, the majority of whom are Shia Muslims, has historically reported discrimination and has frequently been targeted in attacks claimed by extremist groups, particularly Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISIS-K).
Since returning to power in August 2021, Afghanistan’s de facto authorities have repeatedly stated that all ethnic and religious communities are protected under their administration and have rejected allegations of institutional discrimination.
There was no immediate public response from the Ministry of Justice or other officials regarding the latest allegations. The claims contained in the statement could not be independently verified.
