The Taliban regime in Afghanistan has implemented a new law titled “Propagation of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice,” further tightening its grip on the country’s social fabric, particularly for women. This law, which was issued on August 21st by the Ministry for Promoting Virtue and Preventing Vice, outlines a strict interpretation of Islamic Sharia law. The most notable provision dictates that women must fully cover their bodies and faces in public. Additionally, the law restricts women from speaking or singing loudly enough for non-family members to hear, deeming their voices as ‘awrah’ or intimate parts, permissible only in necessary situations.
The document, published in the official gazette, emphasizes the importance of covering the entire body and face, citing the prevention of temptation as the reason. It further lays down guidelines for public conduct, placing the responsibility on ombudsmen to enforce these regulations. This includes preventing drivers from playing music, using drugs, transporting women without the mandated hijab, facilitating settings where women and non-mahram men can interact, and ensuring drivers exhibit wisdom and maturity in their behavior.
The law, ratified by Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada, explicitly states, “It is haram for unrelated men to look at the bodies or faces of unrelated women, and it is haram for unrelated women to look at unrelated men.” Punishment for violating these regulations will be enforced by the Taliban’s Muhtaseebs, or morality police, who have the authority to detain individuals for up to three days.
While the Taliban attempts to justify these new laws as measures to safeguard women, they are widely seen as a continuation of their oppressive policies aimed at limiting women’s freedoms and public presence. The regime has also stepped up measures against men, with morality police conducting inspections in mosques to ensure adherence to beard-growing requirements.
These recent developments underscore the harsh reality of life under the Taliban regime, where women are denied basic human rights and freedoms they once enjoyed. It serves as a stark reminder of the long road ahead for Afghanistan in achieving peace and restoring basic rights for its citizens.
