The ruling Taliban in Afghanistan has enacted the “Virtue Law”, a law designed to enforce strict Sharia law. Afghanistan's Ministry of Justice shared details of the law, which came into force on July 31. It was announced that the law, which also includes veiling rules for women and a ban on homosexuality, was approved by senior Taliban official Hibatullah Akhundzadeh.

 

PROHIBITIONS FOR MEN AND WOMEN

 

The law, which requires women to cover their faces and bodies in the presence of men who are not directly related to them, also increases the powers of the “morality police” who have been policing behavior based on Islamic Sharia law since the Taliban came to power in 2021. The law also requires men to wear pants that are at least knee-length and to grow a beard that is not too short. The law will also tighten controls on homosexual relations, adultery and gambling, as well as on the production and viewing of videos or images depicting living beings.

 

BAN ON MEDIA 

 

The law will also penalize missed prayers and disobedience to parents. According to the new law, the media will not be able to publish content that does not comply with “Sharia and religious rules”, nor will they be able to cover topics that could be considered insulting to Muslims. The “morality police” will first warn violators and then impose fines, detention for up to 3 days and other sanctions. In case of repeat offenses, the judiciary will be involved.

 

In previous statements, the United Nations (UN) Assistance Commission for Afghanistan (UNAMA) had accused the “morality police” in Afghanistan of creating a “climate of fear” in the country.

 

21 THOUSAND MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS DESTROYED 

 

In the country, 281 police officers were recently dismissed for “not having a beard”. According to the annual report of the Ministry of Invitation to Good and Prevention of Evil, 21,328 musical instruments were destroyed in the country last year.