Ghorbanali Dari Najafabadi, the representative of Ali Khamenei, the leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, has criticized the caretaker government’s approach towards the people, stating that it must treat Afghan citizens, especially Shiites, “justly.”
ISNA news agency reported that Mr. Dari Najafabadi made these remarks during Friday prayers in the city of Arak, located in central Iran, on August 19.
In his sermon, he called on the current government to reconsider its treatment of the people.
Dari Najafabadi ‘s comments come shortly after a report from the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom indicated that violations of the rights of religious minorities, including Shiites in Afghanistan, continue to be severe under the current regime.
According to this report, the current government has restricted religious freedom for Shiites.
It is noteworthy that since regaining control over Afghanistan, the current regime has imposed severe restrictions on religious minorities, including Shiites.
Recently, the newspaper “Jomhouri Islami” reported that following the government’s decision to close the private television station Tamaddon and Khatam al-Nabiyyin University, this group is seeking to “plunder the spiritual assets of Shiites” in Afghanistan.
In further restrictions against Shiites, last year and this year, the government has asked Shiites to refrain from erecting large religious banners and structures in their cities.
Additionally, the current regime has banned the establishment of “Saqakhaneh” (a place for distributing drinks) and the distribution of beverages during the days of Muharram.
Moreover, leaders of the Shiite community in Afghanistan have repeatedly requested the caretaker government to recognize Jafari jurisprudence; however, this group has yet to officially respond to this request.
