SOCIETY — February 14, 2026
Taliban arrests four on witchcraft charges in Kabul and Takhar
Taliban's Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice announced the arrest of four people accused of witchcraft and deception in Kabul and Takhar provinces.
The Ehtebar Desk — originates with Afghanistan International — 2 min read
The Taliban's Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice announced that its muhtasebs arrested four individuals on witchcraft charges in Kabul and Takhar provinces. In a press release issued on Saturday, 25 Dalu, the ministry accused the four of "deception."
The ministry stated that the individuals pretended to possess "inner powers" and carried out actions "contrary to Islamic Sharia."
A law on the Promotion of Virtue, passed in Asad 1403, grants muhtasebs the authority to arrest individuals. Following its approval, the ministry declared that taweez writing, sorcery and witchcraft are prohibited across Afghanistan.
Read the original reporting at Afghanistan International →
Reliability assessment
Single source reports a direct official press release from the Taliban ministry with concrete details: four arrests, specific provinces (Kabul, Takhar), date (25 Dalu/Saturday), and accusations (witchcraft, deception). On-record attribution, not high-stakes or volatile.
Across the newsrooms
Filed by
Afghanistan International
Originating
Filed under
Society — Taliban, Ministry for Promotion of Virtue, witchcraft, Kabul, Takhar
Reader supported
Keep Ehtebar running
Every published story uses paid tools to translate reporting, compare sources, extract claims, and produce a clearer read on Afghanistan. Reader support helps keep that work independent.
€5
helps cover daily verification runs
€15
supports a week of source comparison
€50
keeps independent analysis moving
More in Society
Health Officials and Experts Discuss Rise in Black Jaundice Cases in Afghanistan
— Reliable
Discussion on Agricultural Products and Health Services in Samangan Province
— Reliable
WHO Report Cites Taliban Restrictions and Funding Shortfalls as Threats to Health Services in Afghanistan
— Reliable
Afghan officials report returns of families from Pakistan and Iran alongside releases from Pakistani prisons
— Reliable