Hibatullah Akhundzada Orders Seizure of Absent Persons’ Property in Afghanistan

Hibatullah Akhundzada has issued a decree ordering the seizure of movable and immovable property belonging to absent individuals and those accused of corruption in Afghanistan.

The recent decree issued by the Islamic Emirate leader, Hibatullah Akhundzada states that the Property Investigation Department of the Administrative Affairs will be dissolved and its responsibilities transferred to the military deputy of the Supreme Court.

According to the Taliban leader’s order, military courts will handle investigations of properties belonging to absent persons and those accused of corruption, examining and securing these assets.

Property confiscation has become a key tool for the Taliban to consolidate control and punish perceived enemies, with thousands of Afghans abroad unable to contest seizures. The lack of transparent legal procedures, independent judiciary oversight, and appeals mechanisms means property owners have virtually no recourse to challenge confiscations, while the Taliban’s definition of corruption and absence remains vague and subject to arbitrary interpretation.

The decree states that military courts will confiscate, separate, verify, preserve, and utilize the movable and immovable property of absent individuals until their return.

Properties belonging to individuals accused of corruption will be seized and held by Taliban military courts under the new directive issued by the group’s leadership.

Currently, properties and assets belonging to former government officials and Taliban opponents living abroad are under current administration control, previously managed by the Administrative Affairs department.

The ruling regime have systematically targeted former government officials, security personnel, and opposition figures since returning to power in August 2021, with many fleeing the country fearing persecution. International human rights organizations have documented widespread property confiscations, forced evictions, and arbitrary asset seizures targeting those who worked with the previous government or international forces, raising concerns about due process and rule of law.

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