Skip to content

Manizha Talash (B-Girl Talash)

    Manizha Talash (aka B-Girl Talash)

    • Nationality: Afghan
    • Location: Currently based internationally due to safety concerns in Afghanistan
    • Medium: Breakdancing / Dance Activism
    • Case Summary: During the 2024 Paris Olympics pre-qualifier, Manizha Talash, known as B-Girl Talash, wore a blue cape fashioned from an old burqa emblazoned with “FREE AFGHAN WOMEN” as a protest statement. She was subsequently disqualified from the tournament for alleged “political propaganda.” 
    • Case Status: Ongoing

    Manizha Talash, an Afghan breakdancer, has used her art to advocate for Afghan women’s rights on an international scale. Known professionally as B-Girl Talash, she took a stand for women’s freedom at the 2024 Paris Olympics pre-qualifier by incorporating a blue cape made from an old burqa into her performance. The cape, bearing the words “FREE AFGHAN WOMEN,” was a visual statement aimed at raising awareness for the rights of Afghan women under restrictive conditions.

    In response, Olympic organizers disqualified Manizha from the competition, labeling her display as “political propaganda,” a decision that sparked debate about the role of artistic expression in sports and on global platforms. With the support of Avant-Garde Lawyers (AGL), Manizha now seeks to challenge her disqualification, framing the incident as a case of censorship that inhibits athletes from using their public influence to advocate for social justice.

    AGL is defending Manizha’s right to artistic and personal expression, highlighting the importance of allowing athletes, especially from marginalized communities, to use their presence on international stages to raise awareness about critical issues. This case underlines AGL’s commitment to supporting artists and activists who risk penalization for their advocacy, emphasizing the essential role that freedom of expression plays in fostering a just and inclusive world.

    Further Links

    https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/article/2024/aug/20/women-afghanistan-manizha-talash-breakdancing-on-her-protest-at-the-olympics