Samira* was just 19 years old when she innocently set out on the hour-long walk to her job to collect her wages. As she sat outside the shop waiting for her employer, Samira was gripped with fear when she noticed Taliban officials approaching. After asking her and her employer, 42-year-old Mohammad*, a barrage of questions, the Taliban arrested them on charges of an immoral relationship and transported them to the police station. As reported by The Guardian, this marked the end of Samira’s life as she knew it. By the end of the day, she would be another victim of forced marriage.

Beaten with sticks, shovels, and other tools

The Taliban interrogated Samira and Mohammad with numerous questions about their relationship before taking them to the police station and contacting their families. Samira described her experience:

“No matter how many questions they asked, I had no answers because they kept insulting me with hurtful words and curses. They pushed us into their car and took us to the police station.”

Fearing that Samira would be imprisoned, both families told the Taliban that Samira and Mohammad were engaged. The Taliban responded by forcing them to marry, despite Mohammad already being married with two children. After the marriage ceremony, the Taliban transported them both to Mohammad’s house.

Samira’s sister, Yasmin*, tried to persuade their family to bring Samira home, but their father refused, claiming her honor was lost. But Samira’s ordeal did not end there. After learning what had happened, Samira’s father, uncle, and older brothers, broke into Mohammad’s house and beat Samira with sticks, shovels, and other tools. Samira continued:

“Without knowing the full story, without even asking me why I had gone to the factory’s office at that time of day, they feel entitled to call me a prostitute, just like the Taliban did, and enforce the marriage between Mohammad and me.”

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