The Kabul Tribune (KT) — The Escape from Kabul, a book chronicling the rescue of nearly 200 Afghan women judges and their families following the Taliban's return to power, has won the 2026 Orwell Prize for Political Writing, according to the Hexham Courant.
The book, written by British author Karen Bartlett and
published by Duckworth Books, tells the story of Afghan women judges who helped
build the country's judicial system before being forced to flee after the
Taliban regained control of Afghanistan in August 2021.
Announcing the award, The Orwell Foundation said Afghan
women earned law degrees, became judges, and worked to combat corruption while
addressing violence against women and children during the two decades following
2001.
The foundation said those women played a key role in efforts
to build a modern democracy, but after the withdrawal of Western forces in August
2021, they and their families faced grave danger.
According to the foundation, The Escape from Kabul recounts
the previously untold story of how nearly 200 women judges and their relatives
escaped Afghanistan with the help of an international network of judges,
lawyers, and professional colleagues who refused to abandon them.
Reacting to the award, Bartlett said she was surprised to
have been selected and described it as a great honor to tell the story of the
Afghan women judges.
"They are incredibly brave and resilient," she
said, adding that she continues to think about Afghan women and girls who
remain under severe restrictions.
Bartlett noted that while she is free to write books and
live her life, women and girls in Afghanistan are not allowed to work, attend
school, or leave their homes alone.
Rohan Silva, chair of the Orwell Prize judging panel,
praised the book for its clear writing and emotional depth, describing the
story of Afghanistan's female judges as compelling and saying Bartlett told it
with empathy and compassion.
The judges also said the book captures a story of tragedy,
courage, and hope, highlighting how female judges from around the world helped
rescue their Afghan counterparts after the Taliban's return to power.
They added that Bartlett combines extensive interviews with
personal accounts to bring Afghanistan's recent history to life while
addressing corruption, violence, and the country's broader struggles.
