Taliban intelligence forces have detained an Uzbek poet in northeast Afghanistan for writing poetry critical of their rule, according to a relative.  

Muzhda Uzbek, who is also a schoolteacher, was charged with “writing protest poetry and having links with Rahila Dostum”, the source told Rukhshana Media on condition of anonymity. 

Dostum, a former Afghan senator, is the daughter of exiled Uzbek leader and former Afghan vice president Abdurrashid Dostum. 

Rahila Dostum served in the upper house of Afghanistan’s parliament before the Taliban regained power in 2021.  

The poet, a mother-of-five, was detained with her husband about two weeks ago in Khwaja Ghar in the northwest of Takhar province, which borders Tajikistan, the relative said. 

Her husband was released about three days ago after guarantees were provided, but Uzbek remains in prison, the source added. 

Women’s rights activists posting on social media have condemned the poet’s detention and called for her release. 

Since seizing power five years ago, the Taliban have repeatedly arrested and imprisoned critics of their rule.  

Last year, Taliban supreme leader Hibatullah Akhundzada banned the writing of protest poetry and love poetry.