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Summary
A 17-year-old Afghan girl, Farkhunda, died under suspicious circumstances just weeks after a forced marriage to the son of a powerful Taliban-linked family. Her relatives claim she faced violence in the household and that her burial was rushed to prevent any independent investigation.
A 17-year-old Afghan girl, identified as Farkhunda, died under what relatives describe as highly suspicious circumstances, just six weeks after her marriage in Kabul.
Her body was discovered on November 15, 2025, at her husband’s residence in the Gulbahar Centre area of the capital. Initial statements by the Taliban authorities dismissed concerns, with Khalid Zadran, spokesperson for the Taliban’s Kabul police command, saying no “suspicious” signs had been found and that no formal complaint had been filed by her family. He also claimed she died of a stroke.
However, multiple accounts gathered by Afghanistan International and local sources contradict the Taliban’s position. Relatives claim that Farkhunda had been living under intense pressure and violence since marrying Emadullah, the 17-year-old son of influential local figure Haji Malang.
The marriage, they said, was forced, with both Farkhunda and Emadullah pressured into it by his family, who reportedly maintain close business and political ties to Taliban officials.
It was reported that her body was found in an apartment near her mother-in-law’s home, and family members believe she may have been killed. They also reported that when they attempted to transfer her body to the forensic department for examination, they were threatened by Haji Malang’s sons.
Relatives further claim that Farkhunda was buried hastily, without her father’s consent and without any independent investigation, raising further concerns about potential cover-up efforts.
Despite the conflicting accounts, Taliban officials maintain there is no evidence of foul play. Farkhunda’s family and local residents continue to call for a transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death.
