Taliban kill popular singer in Afghanistan region where conflict still exists | Globalism

Friday’s murder took place in Andarabi Valley, a mountainous area in Baghlan province, about 100 kilometers north of Kabul.

The Taliban claim to control the valley district, but there are some areas there where militias are still clashing with the extremist group. This area is close to Panjshir, the only province which the Taliban failed to control.

Fawad’s son, Jawad Andrabi, said the Taliban members had already gone to Andarabi’s house – they even had tea with the musician. However, the Taliban killed the singer on Friday.

“He was an innocent singer who entertained people. They shot him in the head,” Jawad said.

The son said he would seek justice, and that a local Taliban council promised to punish the perpetrators of the murder.

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said the movement would investigate the incident, but had no information on the death.

Andarabi played an instrument called the Ghichak, a type of lute. He sang songs about where he was born, about his people, and about Afghanistan.

A video posted on social media shows Andarabi singing, sitting on a rug in the middle of the mountains. The lyrics read: “There is no country in the world like my land, a proud nation, a beautiful valley, the home of our ancestors.”

Karima Bennoune, the UN rapporteur for the right to culture, said she was deeply concerned about Andarabi’s death. “We call on governments to demand that the Taliban respect the rights of artists,” she said on social media.

Agnes Callamard, Secretary General of Amnesty International, said there is evidence that the Taliban in 2021 is as fanatical, violent and repressive as 2001.

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