Monday, February 17, 2025 

In the most recent Amnesty Urgent Action Letter, the union has sent a letter addressed to Mr. Abdul Haq Wasiq, Director of Intelligence at Afghanistan’s General Directorate of Intelligence, urging the immediate and unconditional release of Sayed Rahim Saidi. Saidi, a 57-year-old filmmaker and managing director of Anar Media, has been unjustly sentenced to three years in prison on baseless charges of spreading propaganda against the Taliban.  

“I am deeply concerned to hear about the way Saidi is treated while in custody of the intelligence, nobody should go through torture of any form and be denied the appropriate health care”, says Gopi Yerraguntla, Equity Executive. 

On July 14, 2024, Taliban intelligence forces arrested Saidi near his office in Kabul without a warrant. In a December 18, 2024, trial, he was denied legal representation and given no opportunity to defend himself before being sentenced to prison. Since his detention, he has suffered from lumbar disc herniation and prostate issues, yet he has been denied proper medical care. Reports indicate he has been held in solitary confinement and subjected to ill-treatment, violating his fundamental rights. 

Saidi’s case is part of a larger crackdown on freedom of expression in Afghanistan, where artists, journalists, and activists face persecution for their human rights work. The Taliban’s continued suppression of independent voices through arbitrary arrests and violence has created an environment of fear, preventing individuals from advocating for social change. These actions violate international human rights standards and further isolate Afghanistan’s people from the rest of the world. 

“This case highlights the dangers faced by those who dare to tell the truth. No one should be imprisoned or tortured for their creative work. It is essential that we stand in solidarity with Saidi and demand justice for all those facing persecution for their beliefs”, says Yerraguntla. 

We call on Afghan authorities to immediately and unconditionally release Sayed Rahim Saidi, ensure he receives urgent medical care, and respect the fundamental rights of those using peaceful means to advocate for change. 

We eagerly await a response from the Director of Intelligence. 

The Amnesty Urgent Actions Program allows for the Union to consistently take solidarity action regarding international human rights injustices that matter to students. Click this link to see injustices we have addressed previously, and for further information about this issue or to see a copy of the letter, contact the Equity Coordinator below.