His only crime was to be an artist and play his music.

“I was born into a musical family and have been working in the music industry for over 40 years, teaching hundreds of artists in the field of music. However, in the past two years, with the rise of the Taliban, out of fear that my instrument's sound might be heard, I move my fingers in the air instead of playing and make music that only I can feel – no one else.

Playing music took the life of my eldest son

Music was my only source of income, and it was the only job I knew for supporting myself and my family. But with the arrival of the Taliban, not only has this opportunity been taken away from me, but even continuing this art can come at the cost of my life, as it took the life of my eldest son.

A few months after the Taliban came to power, our economic situation deteriorated, and we didn't have money for daily expenses and food. My eldest son, who was also an artist in the music field, decided to participate in underground music gatherings in order to provide for the family's expenses. These gatherings were held in hiding. After a few months, on his way back home from one of these music gatherings, he was murdered.

His only crime was to be an artist and play his music.”