Taliban Close Several Shia Religious and Cultural Centers in Kabul

DID Press: Local sources say the Taliban have closed several religious, cultural and educational centers associated with Afghanistan’s Shia community in western Kabul, including the Resalat Seminary, Tebyan Cultural Center.

According to the sources, Taliban forces recently sealed the Resalat Seminary, which is associated with Ayatollah Salehi, head of Afghanistan’s Shia Ulema Council, as well as the Tabyan Cultural Center, linked to Hosseini Mazari.

Sources also said the closure has affected Afghan Voice Agency (AVA), which operated from the Tebyan Center.

No official details have so far been provided on the reasons for the closures, and Taliban officials have not publicly commented on the reports.

The reported closures come after several other religious and cultural centers associated with Afghanistan’s Shia community in western Kabul faced restrictions or shutdowns in recent weeks. Taliban forces had previously surrounded and eventually closed the Khatam al-Nabieen Seminary and the Khatam al-Anbia religious and cultural complex in the area.

The continued closure of Shia religious, educational and cultural institutions, alongside the lack of a clear public explanation for the measures, has raised concerns among members of the community about restrictions on religious and civic activities.