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Taliban’s New Law on Virtue and Vice: A Tool for Oppression The Taliban have announced a new law on the propagation of virtue and the prevention of vice, further tightening their grip on Afghan society. The law, endorsed by Taliban leader Haibatullah and published in the Official Gazette on July 31, 2024, marks a significant regression in the rights and freedoms of the Afghan people, particularly women. This so-called law, far from the promises of a more moderate “Taliban 2.0” drummed forcefully by the group’s lobbyists, is a stark reminder of the group’s deeply conservative and oppressive ideology. The law serves as a legal framework to enforce strict restrictions on daily life, affecting everything from personal appearance to social interactions. Women Targeted Under New Law One of the most concerning aspects of the law is its impact on women. Article 13 mandates that women must veil their bodies, cover their faces, and remain silent in public. The important point is it insists women must only leave homes for an emergency. This provision effectively confines women to their homes, banning them from interacting with men who are not immediate family members, even in critical situations. A former lawmaker highlighted the absurdity of this law, questioning how a woman in need of medical attention would even communicate with a taxi driver to reach a doctor. Broad Restrictions Imposed on Society The law extends its reach beyond just women, imposing severe restrictions on various aspects of life. From cultural practices to individual freedoms, the law dictates stringent guidelines that curb personal expression and autonomy. The former lawmaker also noted the unusual structure of the law, where footnotes—filled with the Taliban clerks’ interpretations of Islamic Sharia—outnumber the actual articles. This reflects the Taliban’s determination to enforce their own rigid version of Islam on the entire population. International Outcry and Condemnation Needed The introduction of this law has sparked concern among those who once believed in the possibility of a more moderate Taliban. The law’s oppressive nature, particularly towards women, is a clear violation of basic human rights. The international community is urged to take a stand and jointly condemn this legal assault on Afghan society, calling for immediate action to prevent further deterioration of freedoms in Afghanistan. As the Taliban continues to tighten its hold, the dreams of a free and open Afghan society seem increasingly distant. This new law serves as a grim reminder of the harsh realities faced by those living under Taliban rule.

Sokun Hort, Wildlife Alliance Community Engagement Manager