Afghan Ambassador to Spain Accused of Drugging, Raping Women
Afghanistan's former Taliban-appointed ambassador to Spain faces multiple sexual assault charges after Spanish authorities revoked his diplomatic immunity in March 2025.
Mohammad Rahim Peerzada, who also goes by the names Rahim Pirzada and Mohammad Rahim Wahidi, served as Afghanistan’s representative in Madrid until Spanish authorities revoked his diplomatic status in March 2025 following serious allegations from multiple women.
According to Brussels Signal, at least four women have come forward accusing Peerzada of sexual misconduct. Several allege he exploited his official position to gain their trust before assaulting them.
The most severe accusation comes from a 37-year-old Afghan woman residing in Germany, who claims the former diplomat drugged and raped her in Madrid in 2022. German newspaper Die Welt reported her testimony today, in which she stated that her life has been irreparably damaged by the assault.
Spanish police have issued a formal request for an international arrest warrant. In late March 2025, Peerzada was detained by US immigration officials at Washington Dulles Airport while traveling under an alias. The FBI questioned him regarding the allegations during his detention.
Diplomatic Immunity Shielded Investigations
Spanish investigators initially could not pursue the case due to Peerzada’s diplomatic immunity. However, mounting public pressure and media coverage eventually led authorities to revoke his protected status, clearing the way for criminal proceedings.
Newly released judicial documents reveal Peerzada’s responses to the accusations. When confronted, he allegedly dismissed the claims by saying that “in Europe a lot is legal” and attempted to minimize the severity of the allegations.
Regarding one accuser, Peerzada stated: My wife knows that we are allowed to have several wives in Islam, before claiming he did not know the woman in question.
Facebook exchanges also surfaced showing someone warning him directly: “There is nothing more to talk about. You raped her 2.5 years ago. Now you have to wait and see what happens. I promise you will be on the news.”
International Manhunt Underway
Spain is now actively seeking Peerzada’s extradition. Without diplomatic protection, he faces potential criminal prosecution in multiple jurisdictions.
The case has drawn comparisons to other high-profile scandals involving powerful men using drugs to facilitate sexual assaults. Critics have seized on the incident as evidence that diplomatic immunity can serve as a shield for serious criminals, delaying justice for victims.
Beyond the sexual assault allegations, Peerzada also faces corruption charges in Afghanistan.
Peerzada has categorically denied all accusations, characterizing them as baseless attacks designed to destroy his reputation. His legal representatives have argued that no formal criminal charges were filed during the period when he held diplomatic immunity.
Taliban Regime Faces Embarrassment
The scandal has proven embarrassing for the Taliban regime, though Peerzada’s career extends beyond the current government. He previously worked for Afghanistan’s former internationally recognized Islamic Republic government before the Taliban’s return to power.
The international arrest warrant remains active as authorities in multiple countries coordinate efforts to apprehend the former diplomat and bring him to trial.
The case highlights ongoing concerns about how diplomatic privileges can be exploited by officials who commit serious crimes while stationed abroad, and the difficulties victims face in seeking accountability when perpetrators enjoy legal immunity.
With information from Brussels Signal
