Afghan Young Woman Khadija Arrested and Freed Over Improper Hijab

Khadija Ahmadzada, a young taekwondo coach from western Afghanistan, has been released after spending thirteen days in detention following her arrest over alleged violations of dress and sports regulations. She was accused of not wearing her hijab “correctly,” playing music in her gym, and allowing both men and women to exercise together.

According to reports by the BBC, a spokesperson for the Supreme Court of Taliban-controlled Afghanistan confirmed her release last Thursday. Khadija resides near Herat city, a major urban centre in the country’s west.

Officials from Afghanistan’s Ministry for the Prevention of Vice and Promotion of Virtue said that the violation came to their attention during a routine inspection, prompting the arrest of Khadija and several others. A ministry spokesperson told reporters that the coach had previously received multiple warnings about compliance with the rules.

The case highlights ongoing restrictions on women’s participation in sports under Taliban rule. Since seizing power in 2021, the Taliban have closed women’s sports centres and gyms across Afghanistan. At the time, officials stated these facilities would reopen “once a safe environment” could be ensured. However, as of January 2026, no women’s sports centres have resumed operation, leaving Afghan women effectively barred from public exercise.

Khadija’s case was eventually brought before the Afghan Supreme Court, which ordered her release. Her current whereabouts following her liberation remain unclear.

The arrest sparked widespread debate and criticism on social media, drawing attention both domestically and internationally. In response, Richard Bennett, the United Nations’ Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Afghanistan, called for Khadija’s immediate release, emphasising the importance of protecting women’s rights and access to sports.

The situation can be summarised as follows:

Human rights advocates have expressed concern that Khadija’s detention reflects broader systemic restrictions on Afghan women. Analysts warn that such policies not only limit physical activity but also impede social and professional opportunities for women across the country. Khadija’s case has thus become emblematic of the ongoing struggle for women’s rights under Taliban governance, drawing significant attention from international observers and human rights organisations.