Arrest of Shia Cleric Hussain Azimi in Herat and His Transfer to an Unknown Location
Local sources in Herat have reported that the Taliban have arrested Hussain Azimi, a well-known Shia cleric, in the Jabrayil district and transferred him to an unknown location. According to these reports, no official information has been released by the Taliban authorities regarding his current situation or the place where he is being held, and the reason for his arrest remains unclear.
Sources state that Hussain Azimi, the Imam of the “Seyed al-Shuhada” mosque in the Jabrayil district and a member of the Shia Ulema Council in Herat, was arrested on Wednesday afternoon, just before the prayer session, by Taliban intelligence forces and the “Promotion of Virtue” department. This action occurred despite his significant position within the local community.
Sources have also emphasized that no information has been released regarding the cleric’s fate, and his family and close relatives have been unable to establish contact or receive any updates about his condition. This lack of information has caused concern among local residents and the Shia community in Herat.
According to reports, Hussain Azimi had previously been arrested by the Taliban in the month of Aqrab 2022. It is said that he was released after mediation by tribal elders and the provision of guarantees, though no official details regarding his previous case were disclosed. Some sources suggest that his earlier arrest was due to his objection to the Taliban’s restrictions on Ashura ceremonies. This indicates ongoing tensions between the Taliban and certain Shia clerics regarding religious matters and the conduct of religious rituals.
Meanwhile, local sources in Herat have reported the recent arrest of several other Shia clerics in the past few days. According to these sources, the clerics were arrested for holding Eid prayers, a matter that is linked to disagreements over the timing and manner of the ceremony.
Reports indicate that the Taliban had previously forced people in some provinces to hold the Eid prayers one day earlier than the usual time, as determined by the group. These actions have led to reactions from various sections of the community.
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