NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Dozens of people were outside the federal courthouse on Broadway Sunday afternoon for a rally to raise awareness about the impact of the Taliban's control in Afghanistan.
"A group that hijacked Islam for many years and against everything this group has been doing," said organizer Mostafa Shamsuddin. Shamsuddin is an engineer in Nashville.
Organizers say people need to speak up against the ongoing violence and attack on human rights.
"As we speak the Taliban is forcing people to evacuate, taking away people's right to free speech, right to education," said Afghan refugee Masood Sidiqyar.
They also raised awareness for women's rights.
"There are so many verses in Koran that say women are entitled to everything, especially when it comes to their rights to acquire knowledge," said Belmont grad student Haleema Shamsuddin.
Organizers say people need to support the resistance against the Taliban and continue to try help those wanting to escape the violence and seeking refuge.
Congressman Jim Cooper also stopped by the rally to show his solidarity with the Afghan community.
300 Afghan refugees are expected to arrive in Tennessee over the next six months.
