A 22-year-old Afghan woman, Khadija Ahmadzada, who managed a taekwondo gym for girls, is free after spending 13 days in jail, confirmed a spokesman for the Taliban's supreme court.
She was detained for violating unspecified regulations regarding women's sports gyms, according to the Taliban's ministry of vice and virtue. Since 2021, women's sports clubs have been shut down following the Taliban's return to power.
The Taliban had previously indicated that gyms would reopen once a 'safe environment' compliant with their strict interpretation of Islamic law was established.
As of January 2026, no sports clubs have reopened, and women remain barred from participating in competitive sports.
Ahmadzada's arrest occurred in the vicinity of Herat, where she was taken into custody with others after inspections revealed 'violations'. Allegations against her included not wearing an appropriate hijab, allowing mixed-gender activities in her gym, and playing music. Despite allegedly receiving multiple warnings, she was sentenced to 13 days in prison, after which her case was brought to the supreme court.
The announcement of her release on January 23 has raised questions about her current whereabouts.
This case drew social media attention with calls for her release echoed by Richard Bennett, the UN special rapporteur on human rights in Afghanistan, highlighting the oppressive climate faced by women's rights activists, journalists, and many others in the region.
