Taliban's New Law on Virtue and Vice: A Step Backwards in Afghanistan

Last week, the Taliban unveiled a new law titled the "Propagation of Virtue and Prevention of Vice," which imposes their strict interpretation of Sharia law on the Afghan people. This law has drawn widespread global condemnation, as it not only strips away the rights of women but also seeks to control nearly every aspect of daily life in Afghanistan.

Key Provisions of the Law

The new law is a stark reminder of the Taliban's repressive regime, particularly towards women. Under this law, women are required to cover their entire bodies and faces when in the presence of unrelated men or non-Muslims. Even their voices, whether singing, chanting, or reciting aloud, are considered "intimate" and are not to be heard in public. Violations of these rules carry severe punishments.

For men, the law dictates specific appearance standards. They are mandated to grow beards, refrain from Western-style haircuts, and avoid wearing neckties. The regulation extends beyond appearance, seeking to govern daily life by banning all forms of entertainment, games, and interactions between unrelated men and women. Travel and activities must be planned around prayer times, and women must always be accompanied by a male guardian.

Enforcing these rules is the Muhtasib, the morality police, who have been granted broad powers to punish those who fail to comply. This includes checking personal devices to ensure adherence to the law and issuing penalties that could include imprisonment.

Historical Context and New Developments

While some of these restrictions were already enforced in various parts of Afghanistan, the official codification of these laws signals a significant escalation. The Taliban's return to power in 2021 was accompanied by assurances of a more moderate regime, but this new law represents a clear regression to their previous rule between 1996 and 2001. The progress made over the past two decades, especially in terms of women's rights, is now being systematically dismantled.

Reactions from Afghan Women

Despite these draconian measures, Afghan women are not remaining silent. Many are resisting, both openly and covertly. Videos have surfaced of women singing in defiance of the ban, fully covered yet undeterred. Others are continuing to educate girls through underground schools, a powerful act of resistance against the Taliban's efforts to suppress women's education. These acts of courage demonstrate the resilience of Afghan women, even in the face of extreme oppression.

International Response

The international community has not been silent either. UN agencies and global leaders have condemned the Taliban's new law as oppressive and called for its repeal. However, the Taliban's apparent disregard for international pressure, coupled with geopolitical divisions, has only emboldened them. India's response has been to reiterate its support for women's rights and education in Afghanistan, emphasizing the need for an inclusive and representative government.

Conclusion

The Taliban's new law on virtue and vice is a chilling reminder of the group's fundamentalist roots and a severe blow to the progress made in Afghanistan over the past two decades. As the world watches, the resilience of Afghan women and the international community's response will be critical in shaping the future of the country. This law is not just about the Taliban's interpretation of Sharia; it's about the broader struggle for human rights, dignity, and the fight against oppression.