Taliban Bans Women’s Voice And Bare Faces In Public

Afghanistan's Taliban rulers have introduced new laws that greatly impact the daily life and personal freedoms of women. The laws, seemingly offensive, focus heavily on controlling women’s presence...

Taliban Bans Women’s Voice And Bare Faces In Public
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Afghanistan's Taliban rulers have introduced new laws that greatly impact the daily life and personal freedoms of women. The laws, seemingly offensive, focus heavily on controlling women’s presence in public and enforcing strict moral codes for them.

Taliban’s Supreme Leader Approves Of The Law

Announced on Wednesday, these regulations have been approved by the Taliban's supreme leader, Hibatullah Akhundzada. The laws, detailed in a 114-page document, cover various aspects of life, including transportation, music, and clothing. A major focus is on women’s attire and behavior.

Laws Prohibit Women’s Voice In Public, Looking At Men

According to the new laws, women must cover their entire bodies and faces when in public. The laws state that women’s voices should not be heard in public, including singing, reciting, or reading aloud. Additionally, women are prohibited from looking at men they are not related to by blood or marriage, and vice versa. Women must also cover themselves in front of non-Muslims to avoid being tempted or tempting others.

Laws Intent To Promote ‘Virtue’ And ‘Vice’

These laws are part of a broader set of rules aimed at promoting what the Taliban calls "virtue" and preventing "vice." The Ministry for the Prevention of Vice and Propagation of Virtue, which has been enforcing similar rules for some time, will now have official authority to regulate personal conduct more strictly. This includes administering punishments like warnings, fines, or detention for those who break the rules.

Arbitrary Laws On Transportation And Men

The new regulations also include a ban on publishing images of living beings and playing music in public. Drivers are prohibited from transporting women without a male guardian, and passengers and drivers must perform prayers at set times. Men are required to grow beards and cannot shave them, while also being expected to observe religious practices such as fasting.

UN Report Highlights Concerns 

Human rights organizations and many foreign governments have strongly criticized these measures. A recent UN report highlighted that such laws contribute to a climate of fear and intimidation in Afghanistan, particularly affecting women and girls. The report also noted that the Taliban's morality ministry is expanding its role into areas like media monitoring and drug enforcement.

Taliban Rejects The UN Report 

Despite international criticism, the Taliban has defended the laws as being in line with their interpretation of Islamic law. They have rejected the UN report, insisting that these measures are necessary for maintaining public morality and order. The Taliban's restrictions and the formalization of these laws mark a significant escalation in their control over Afghan society, impacting not only personal freedoms but also the country's fragile media landscape and everyday life.