Afghanistan's ruling Taliban introduced a "virtue" law to impose strict new rules for behavior already monitored by the moral police. According to the country's Ministry of Justice, the law, which includes rules on veiling women and banning homosexuality, was approved by the Taliban's supreme leader, Hibatullah Ahunsada.
The law strengthens the moral police that enforce the guidelines for behavior imposed by the Taliban. They are based on Islamic Sharia law and were imposed in Afghanistan after the Taliban returned to power in 2021. Among other things, it decrees that "Muslim women are required to cover their faces and bodies" when in the presence of men not directly related to them. A woman's voice is intimate, so she should not sing, recite or read aloud in public.
Threats, fines and arrests
Men should wear knee-length pants at worst. They should have a beard that is not too short. Same-sex relationships, adultery and betting are prohibited. It is also forbidden to watch and take pictures of videos and images with living creatures.
Omission of prayer, as well as refusal to fulfill the will of parents, can also be punished. According to the new legislation, the media cannot "disseminate information that contradicts Sharia and religion”, "insults Muslims” or shows "living things”. The moral police can issue warnings, issue threats, issue fines and detain people for up to three days in custody. In case they repeat their offence, the accused will be brought before the court.
Restriction of human rights
The United Nations Assistance Commission for Afghanistan has already accused the moral police of creating a "climate of fear" in Afghanistan in the past. The decrees and some of the methods used to implement them violated human rights and fundamental freedoms. The fact that the Taliban ministry has set out to expand its powers into other areas of Afghans' daily lives is a matter of grave concern for everyone in the country, especially women and girls, explains Fiona Fraser, head of human rights in the UN mission.
After years of Western military presence, the Taliban regained power in Afghanistan in August 2021 and proclaimed the so-called Islamic Emirate. Since then, they have enforced their strict interpretation of Islam with draconian laws and restricted women's rights. Kabul remains largely isolated internationally. To date, no country has recognized the Islamist rulers as the official government of Afghanistan.
Mina Kirkova (editor)