It's beyond anyone's worst nightmare for the former female judges of Afghanistan. Over 220 of them are currently fearing for their lives as they hide in secret locations.
Days after the Taliban took control of cities across the nation, they have released convicted rapists & murderers from jail, including those who are not associated with the group.
Since then, the judges have been receiving death threats in the form of text messages, voice notes & unknown calls.
The criminals have even ambushed the judges' houses & questioned neighbors or friends to seek revenge!
According to an interview by BBC, a former judge by the pseudonym, Masooma, has even had a criminal threaten her face to face.
This comes after she sentenced him to 20 years in prison for brutally murdering his wife. "When I get out of prison, I will do to you what I did to my wife." - were his words months before he was freed by his group members.
The former judges have since, switched their phone numbers and are moving locations every few days.
Secretary to the Taliban spokesman Bilal Karimi said, "Female judges should live like any other family without fear. Our special military units are obliged to "investigate" such complaints & "act" if there is a violation."
We hope & pray for the safety of these female judges & their loved ones during these dangerous ordeals.