Kabul: Afghanistan’s Taliban government has formally codified a set of stringent morality rules this week, mandating women to cover their faces, men to grow beards, and banning car drivers from playing music, according to the Justice Ministry. These rules are to be enforced by the Ministry for the Prevention of Vice and Propagation of Virtue, commonly known as the morality ministry.
The newly codified laws are based on a decree issued by the Taliban’s supreme spiritual leader in 2022 and have now been officially published as law.
The morality ministry, which has been enforcing similar rules since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan in 2021, claims to have detained thousands of people for violations.
However, it remains unclear whether the official publication of these rules will lead to more stringent enforcement.
The 35-article morality law, enacted and published on Wednesday after ratification by Supreme Spiritual Leader Haibatullah Akhundzada, outlines various requirements for the population.
Women are required to wear attire that fully covers their bodies and faces, while men are barred from shaving their beards or neglecting religious duties such as prayer and fasting.
Penalties for violations of these rules include a range of actions, from “advice, warnings of divine punishment, and verbal threats” to confiscation of property, detention for one hour to three days in public jails, and other punishments deemed appropriate by the authorities, according to the Justice Ministry.
The Taliban’s strict rules, particularly those affecting women’s rights and freedom of expression, have been met with significant criticism from rights groups and international governments.
Western nations, led by Washington, have made it clear that the path to formal recognition of the Taliban government is stalled unless there is a reversal of these policies, including reopening high schools for girls.
