The Taliban government in Afghanistan has recently announced the codification of laws that detail strict rules of behavior and lifestyle based on their interpretation of Islamic law. This move, which was published in the official gazette on July 31, has raised concerns about increased control over the population.
The 35-article law, approved by the Taliban’s supreme leader Hibatullah Akhundzada, outlines prohibitions that are already known in the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan. These rules cover a wide range of issues, from social interactions to personal lives and dress codes. The Ministry for the Propagation of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice, responsible for enforcing the law, has been a visible presence on Afghan streets since the Taliban came to power in 2021.
One of the key provisions of the law is the requirement for Muslim women to cover their faces and bodies when in the presence of men who are not mahrams, as well as non-Muslim women. Women are also instructed to ensure that their voices are not heard when they leave their homes out of necessity. Men are prohibited from wearing shorts above the knee and are required to maintain untrimmed beards.
The law also imposes restrictions on vehicle drivers, including bans on playing music, using drugs, and transporting unveiled women or women in the presence of men who are not mahrams. Other prohibitions outlined in the law include bans on homosexuality, missing prayers, adultery, gambling, animal fighting, disobeying parents, and creating or viewing images of living beings on electronic devices.
Media outlets are also subject to strict regulations under the new law. They are prohibited from publishing content that is hostile to Sharia law and religion, humiliates Muslims, or depicts living beings. Violations of these rules can result in verbal warnings, threats, fines, arrests ranging from one hour to three days, or other punishments as determined by the morality police. Repeat offenders may be referred to the courts for further action.
The enactment of these laws has raised concerns about the erosion of personal freedoms and human rights in Afghanistan. The United Nations has criticized the Taliban government for creating a „climate of fear“ through the enforcement of strict religious laws. As the Taliban continues to consolidate its power in the country, it remains to be seen how these laws will impact the daily lives of Afghan citizens.
In conclusion, the codification of laws by the Taliban government in Afghanistan represents a significant step towards the imposition of strict Islamic rules and regulations. The enforcement of these laws has raised concerns about the erosion of personal freedoms and human rights in the country. As the Taliban continues to assert its authority, the impact of these laws on the population remains a topic of ongoing concern and debate.