In a harrowing account of survival and sacrifice, one of Afghanistan's pioneering female judges has spoken out about her desperate escape to Australia while living with the constant fear that the Taliban will exact revenge on the family she was forced to leave behind.
From Courtroom to Hiding
The former judge, whose identity remains protected for security reasons, had been a trailblazer in Afghanistan's legal system. As one of the first women to reach such a prominent judicial position, she dedicated her career to upholding justice and protecting women's rights in a deeply conservative society.
"When the Taliban took over, they came looking for me immediately," she revealed, describing the terrifying hours following the regime's return to power. "I knew they would kill me if they found me."
A Desperate Escape
Her journey to safety reads like a thriller novel - moving between safe houses, relying on networks of trusted contacts, and ultimately making the perilous journey out of Afghanistan with nothing but the clothes on her back.
Now settled in Australia under a humanitarian visa, her relief at finding safety is tempered by overwhelming anxiety for her relatives who remain in Afghanistan. "The Taliban have been to my family's home multiple times," she shared. "They ask about me, they threaten them. My family lives in constant fear."
The Price of Justice
During her tenure, the judge presided over numerous cases involving Taliban members and other militants, making her a prime target for retaliation. Her work particularly focused on protecting women and children from violence and oppression.
"I was doing my job according to the law of Afghanistan at that time," she explained. "But for the Taliban, a woman having that kind of authority is unacceptable. They see me as a criminal for simply doing my duty."
Australia's Humanitarian Response
Australia's decision to grant her refuge highlights the ongoing international obligation to protect those who worked to advance human rights and democracy in Afghanistan. However, the judge's story underscores the complex reality that safety for one individual often comes at the cost of increased danger for those left behind.
"I cannot sleep at night thinking about what might happen to them because of me," she confessed, her voice heavy with guilt and worry. "Every day I pray for their safety, but I know the Taliban do not forgive."
A Warning to the World
Her experience serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan, particularly for women and those who worked with previous governments or international organisations.
As she builds a new life in Australia, the former judge continues to advocate for other Afghan women and professionals who remain in danger, hoping that by sharing her story, she might help secure their freedom too.
