In Afghanistan, the Taliban promulgate a law to “promote virtue and prevent vice” and notably ban women from singing in public

The new law comes three years after the Taliban returned to power.

A law has been enacted in Afghanistan to “promote virtue and prevent vice” among the population, in accordance with sharia (Islamic law), the Taliban Justice Ministry announced on Thursday, August 22. It stipulates in particular that “Women must cover their bodies completely in the presence of men who are not members of their family”as well as their face “for fear of temptation”, which involves wearing a mask over the mouth. Women are also not allowed to make their voices heard in public (songs, poetry), according to this law, which comes three years after the Taliban returned to power.

Prohibitions are also issued for vehicle drivers: no music, no drugs, no transport of unveiled women, women in the presence of men who are not members of their family, or women without a mahram (a male member of their family). Other prohibitions follow: adultery, homosexuality, gambling, animal fighting, creating or viewing images of living beings on a computer or mobile phone, no beard or a beard that is too short for men, haircuts “contrary to sharia”.

Regarding the media, the law stipulates that they must not publish “content hostile to Sharia and religion”or who “humiliate Muslims”neither “which show living beings”The text sets out gradual sanctions to which those who do not respect it are exposed: verbal warning, threats, fine, police custody ranging from one hour to three days, or other sanction requested by the Ministry of Propagation of Virtue and Prevention of ViceIn the event of a repeat offence, the court will be notified.

The 35-article law published in the Official Gazette on July 31 enacts prohibitions already generally known in the Islamic Emirate, but its promulgation could allow to reinforce the already tight control of the population. The ministry announced Wednesday, on its website, that the law had been previously approved by the supreme leader of the Taliban, Emir Hibatullah Akhundzada who rules Afghanistan by decree from his stronghold of Kandahar.