The Taliban’s morality ministry, which has repurposed the former women’s ministry offices in Kabul since taking control in 2021, has faced accusations of human rights abuses
KABUL: The Taliban’s Ministry for the Prevention of Vice and Propagation of Virtue has intensified its enforcement of strict Islamic codes over the past year, resulting in significant changes and controversies in Afghanistan. In its latest annual operations update, the ministry reported dismissing over 280 members of the security forces for failing to maintain the prescribed beard length and detaining more than 13,000 individuals for alleged “immoral acts.”
Mohibullah Mokhlis, Director of Planning and Legislation at the ministry, revealed in a press conference that nearly half of those detained were released within 24 hours. However, details regarding the specific nature of the offenses or the gender of the detainees were not disclosed. Mokhlis also reported the destruction of 21,328 musical instruments and the prevention of thousands of computer operators from selling “immoral and unethical” films, reflecting the ministry’s stringent cultural and moral regulations.
The ministry’s actions are aligned with its interpretation of Islamic law. Mokhlis confirmed that 281 security force members were dismissed for not adhering to the requirement of growing a beard, a rule rooted in their interpretation of religious standards. This enforcement is part of a broader effort by the Taliban to impose their version of Islamic law, which has faced substantial criticism from human rights organizations and the United Nations.
The Taliban’s morality ministry, which has repurposed the former women’s ministry offices in Kabul since taking control in 2021, has faced accusations of human rights abuses. Reports from the United Nations have highlighted instances where ministry officials have detained women for not adhering to their interpretation of Islamic dress codes. The Taliban have dismissed these allegations as “baseless,” asserting that their policies reflect Islamic law and Afghan customs.
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