Russia’s Recognition Of Taliban Risks Legitimising Abuse, Warns UN Rapporteur

Despite a 10-day ceasefire, Hengaw reports that Iranian authorities continue to carry out mass arrests, accusing most detainees of espionage for Israel, spreading propaganda against the regime, or disturbing public order.

While details regarding the two Afghan nationals remain unclear, Tasnim News Agency previously released a video during the 12-day war that allegedly showed the pair’s confessions. Hengaw did not confirm the circumstances under which the confessions were obtained, raising concerns about due process and coercion.

The rights group also reported that at least 40 women were among those arrested across the country during the post-war crackdown. One individual reportedly took their own life while attempting to flee the country and avoid arrest.

Among the eight foreign nationals detained, at least one woman and three Ukrainian citizens were arrested in Iran’s Isfahan Province.

Meanwhile, Iran’s judiciary has passed new legislation imposing harsh penalties on individuals accused of collaborating with foreign media during wartime. Under the new law, those found guilty of sending images or videos to foreign outlets could face 15 to 25 years in prison and be permanently barred from government employment.

These cases are being fast-tracked through the Revolutionary Court system.

Hengaw described the legislation and ongoing detentions as part of a broader campaign to suppress free expression and independent reporting. The group noted that under the Islamic Republic’s revised legal code, collaboration or espionage involving US or Israeli intelligence services is punishable by death.

Speaking at the 17th Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) summit on Friday, Bektenov said the construction of the Trans-Afghan railway would boost regional development and connectivity.

The summit, held in the Azerbaijani city of Khankendi, brought together leaders and representatives from Iran, Türkiye, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and a Taliban delegation led by Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs Abdul Ghani Baradar.

According to the Astana Times, Bektenov met with Baradar on the sidelines of the summit to discuss expanding cooperation in trade, logistics and agriculture.

Specifically addressing the Torghundi–Herat railway, Bektenov confirmed that Kazakhstan is prepared to proceed with the project, noting that a memorandum of understanding would be signed between the two parties in the near future.

The Taliban had earlier stated that Kazakhstan intends to invest $500 million in the broader Torghundi–Herat–Spin Boldak railway project.

Addressing the 17th Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) summit, Erdogan also renewed his criticism of what he described as Israel’s increasingly “aggressive policies,” warning that they threaten regional stability.

“We can neither abandon the Palestinian cause nor remain silent while the Netanyahu government turns our region into a bloodbath,” he told assembled leaders.

The summit, held in the Azerbaijani city of Khankendi, gathered the presidents of Türkiye, Azerbaijan, Iran, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, along with Pakistan’s prime minister. Climate-change cooperation topped the agenda.

Abdul Ghani Baradar, deputy prime minister for economic affairs in Afghanistan’s Taliban administration, attended the meeting, marking the first high-level Taliban representation at an ECO summit in four years.

In a statement issued Friday, the governor’s office confirmed that Nabizada had returned at the invitation of Governor Wafa.

Nabizada had been living in Russia for the past two years. His return comes just days after Moscow officially recognised the Taliban as the “Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan” and raised the group’s flag over the Afghan embassy in the Russian capital.

In 2022, the US Department of the Treasury sanctioned Nabizada as part of a network accused of oil smuggling and money laundering on behalf of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Quds Force.

In a recent interview with Afghanistan International, Nabizada denied the allegations, claiming the sanctions were politically motivated. “The United States imposed sanctions on me, along with hundreds of other businessmen, to pressure Russia,” he said.

Speaking at a press briefing, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan stated, “We have taken note of Russia’s decision. Russia-Afghanistan relations are a matter between two sovereign nations.”

Khan added that Russia has legitimate security interests in the region and underscored Pakistan’s ongoing engagement with Moscow.

“Pakistan enjoys very warm and cordial relations with Russia,” he said. “Both countries are maintaining a positive trajectory and are working to further expand their bilateral cooperation.”

Pakistan has not formally recognised the Taliban administration, though it maintains diplomatic ties and continues to engage with Taliban authorities on security and regional connectivity issues.