Taliban Arrest Afghan-Canadian Activist Nadima Noor

The Taliban have arrested Nadima Noor, an Afghan-Canadian social media activist, according to sources who spoke to Afghanistan International on Wednesday.

Noor is reportedly being held at Directorate 40 of the Taliban’s intelligence agency. The reason for her detention has not been disclosed. This marks the second time Noor has been arrested by the Taliban, following a previous detention and subsequent release in early 2022.

Known for her outspoken presence online, Noor last posted a video message on 9 February 2025, in which she appealed to the Taliban to show compassion towards the Afghan people.

In the video, she said "My dear. I feel sorrow for my people and for you, which is why I say these things. When you go around in your Rangers, don’t point your weapons at the people like that... Tomorrow, that same gun might fire back at you. If you win the hearts of the people, love between us and you will grow."

Noor heads a charitable organisation that supports girls’ education in Afghanistan. She returned to the country from Canada in 2019 and has since been engaged in advocacy and humanitarian work.

Her arrest comes amid an ongoing pattern of Taliban repression targeting women’s rights activists, human rights defenders, journalists, and former security personnel of the previous Afghan republic. Many have reportedly been detained, tortured, or have disappeared without a trace.