Taliban official kills Iranian-Kurdish mother and daughter after failed forced marriage attempt

A Taliban official is accused of murdering a 15-year-old girl and her mother after his attempt to forcibly marry the teenager failed. The incident, which occurred on May 8, involved Mofti Mohammadollah, head of the Taliban’s Hajj and Endowments Department in Kohistanat district.

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The gunshot wound to Sara’s chest also indicates that the perpetrator fired deliberately and with the intent to kill.

According to an informed source, Mohammadollah attempted to abduct Sara Yousefi for marriage. When her mother, Chiman Hosseinzadeh, resisted the abduction, Mohammadollah allegedly opened fire, killing both women. The source indicated that Sara Yousefi sustained a gunshot wound to the chest, suggesting intent to kill. The scene at the victims' home also suggested a physical altercation had taken place.

Mohammadollah reportedly had three prior marriages, though their status is unclear. The teenager's father had allegedly accepted the proposal due to financial reasons, but her mother opposed it. The family had reportedly sought help to return to Hosseinzadeh's homeland in Iran prior to the killings.

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They have little confidence that justice will be delivered through the Taliban’s courts and judicial system.

While the alleged perpetrator has been arrested and judicial proceedings are reportedly underway, the victim's family remains fearful. They are concerned about Mohammadollah's influence and doubt that justice will be served through the Taliban's courts. The family has explored diplomatic channels to pressure the Taliban but holds little hope for a just outcome. This murder occurs amid a broader crackdown on women's rights and freedoms under Taliban rule.

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However, it does not appear likely that justice will ultimately be achieved in this matter.