Marzieh Hamidi, athlete and Afghan refugee, under protection after denouncing the Taliban

2 min

In the video that started it all, released in late August, Marzieh Hamidi is on a Parisian street. She explains that in Afghanistanwomen must cover their eyes and not speak in public, that they are not allowed to go to school or play sports. She launched the hashtag #LetUsExist on X and Instagram, and she denounces what she calls “gender apartheid”.

At first, the young woman received many messages of support. A week later, an Afghan journalist met her and asked her a question about the national cricket team. Marzieh considers that the members of the national cricket team, especially its captain, are friends of the Taliban and therefore do not represent the millions of Afghan women.

” The next day, I got a phone call. Someone yelled at me in Pashto, saying he had my address in Paris, that he would find me. He said I had to stop talking like that. In two days, I got calls from 3,000 different numbers. Three thousand numbers from France, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, South America, Malaysia, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Serbia, everywhere… ” explains the taekwondo champion.

Marzieh Hamidi goes to ask the police for help. She leaves her apartment, once, then a second time. The voicemails, the sex photos and the threats of rape or beheading continue. She can no longer train taekwondo, but she continues to fight nonetheless:

” All I can do is fight, and I’m not going to stop. I’m under police protection now. I’ve lost my freedom, I’m in danger, and I don’t feel safe in Paris anymore. But if I stay home and cry or be afraid, they’ll win! »

Marzieh Hamidi says she is supported by many Afghan women who consider her their spokesperson. At least I have protection, as no one can hear their voices. ” she said in conclusion.

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