Under Taliban rule in Afghanistan, widespread restrictions on women and girls, combined with weakened legal protections, have created an environment in which family violence and forced marriage can remain largely unchecked.

Rokia, a 17-year-old girl, reportedly faced intense family pressure and violence after refusing a forced marriage and later died. Reports surrounding her death have raised serious questions about what happened to her. Her death must be independently and transparently investigated, and anyone found responsible must be held accountable.

Rokia’s Refusal to a Forced Marriage

According to reports, Rokia was first forced into a marriage with a married man and was later reportedly pressured to marry another man who already had two wives. Rokia opposed the arrangement and refused to accept a decision that could also affect the lives of other women.

Reports say that after she rejected the marriage, Rokia was subjected to severe family pressure, including being deprived of food and facing violence.

Her family reportedly first described her death as a stroke and later as suicide. At the same time, reports have emerged alleging bruising or other marks on her neck, raising serious questions about the circumstances and actual cause of her death.

There have also been allegations that money was received in connection with Rokia’s marriage and was intended to be used for travel to Turkey. If verified, such allegations would point to a deeply troubling case in which a girl’s marriage may have been treated as a means of financial gain.

Rokia Had the Right to Say No

Rokia had the right to choose. She had the right to say “no,” and she had the right to live.

The circumstances surrounding her death must not be allowed to disappear into silence. Authorities and relevant institutions have a responsibility to establish the truth through an independent and transparent investigation and ensure accountability for anyone responsible.

A woman or a girl is not a family’s property. She is a human being with the right to choose, to live with dignity and to determine her own future.

Justice for Rokia means uncovering the truth and ensuring that her case is not forgotten.