Back!

Chaos in Afghanistan: Last August, following the withdrawal of international troops, the Taliban retook power in the country. The photographer Véronique de Viguerie was there various times – most recently in September. This is where this picture of mourning parents, whose son was kidnapped and killed by the Taliban, was taken. They belong to the Hazaras, an ethnic minority whose story is defined by oppression. Since the Taliban takeover they once again live in fear. The Hazaras are predominantly Shiites and are persecuted by Afghanistan's Sunni majority, because they are considered non-believers. In the past there had been repeated massacres and forced conversions. Following the fall of the Taliban there had been a period of calm for the Hazaras; a normal life seemed possible – but now the Taliban are back.

An interview with Véronique de Viguerie, talking about her work in Afghanistan, appears in LFI 1/2022, which will be available as of December 17, 2021.