Taliban Justice Minister Directs Kabul District Officials to Maintain Order and Return State Lands

Taliban Justice Minister Abdul Hakim Shari'i instructed officials in Kabul's districts to prioritize the prevention of disorder and to bolster cooperation with security forces. The directives also emphasized working with the Commission for the Prevention of Usurpation of State Lands to ensure the restitution of usurped state properties. In addition, the officials were told to implement decrees issued by the Taliban leader Hibatullah.

Security commanders from the districts pledged their support for maintaining public order, facilitating the return of state lands, and carrying out the leader's decrees.

Separately, the justice minister had more than 30 Shiites detained in a personal prison he maintains in Kabul. The detentions occurred because the individuals raised Muharram flags and symbols. The detainees were released after the prime minister and the Taliban interior minister issued orders for their freedom.

On the orders of the justice minister, Taliban security forces conducted a raid on the central office of Tamadon television in Kabul. The operation stopped the station's broadcasts. Unknown individuals later removed equipment from the premises.

The justice minister has previously used his personal prison to hold individuals in connection with land-related matters.