The Taliban in Afghanistan released more than 280 members of their safety forces for not increasing a beard. In addition, Taliban detains more than 13 000 people for ‘immoral acts’ in the last year. The Ministry of Prevention and Propagation of Virtue, which is liable for the enforcement of moral standards according to the Taliban, provided this information on Tuesday during a press conference. Fires for deficiency of beard in Afghan services are already causing a stir.
In its yearly report, the ministry reported that half of the detainees were released after 24 hours. No detailed information was given on the kind of charges or the sex of detainees. According to Mohibullah Mokhlis, manager of planning and government at the Ministry, the Taliban destroyed over 21,000 musical instruments at the time and prevented the sale of "immoral and unethical" films by thousands of computer operators on the markets.
No beard exemptions
The Ministry identified 281 members of the safety forces who did not meet the request to wear a beard, leading to their dismissal. These decisions were based on the explanation of muslim law by the Taliban. After taking power in 2021, the ministry seized the building of the erstwhile Ministry of Women's Affairs in Kabul, which was met with criticism from human rights organizations and the United Nations who accuse the Taliban of limiting women's rights and freedom of speech.
Restrictions imposed on women
The UN mission in Afghanistan has noted cases of detention of women by representatives of the ministry for failing to comply with their explanation of muslim outfits. The Taliban deny these accusations, claiming that their principles are based on muslim and Afghan law.
However, the Ministry did not supply data on enforcement of women's dress government or travel without a male guardian, which was besides banned for longer periods.
Future plans
Mokhlis announced that a fresh plan was developed to enforce the principles of muslim women's dress, which was approved by the highest spiritual leader, based in Kandahar.
The ministry's earlier announcements indicated that women should cover their faces or wear burqa, and the enforcement of these rules will consist in exerting force on male household members alternatively than on women directly.
Actions to defend women
The Ministry besides praised the efforts to defend women, claiming that it prevented the sale of more than 200 women and 2,600 cases of force against women. However, the context of these actions remains unclear, given the restrictive rights imposed on women by the Taliban, which raises questions about their real intentions.
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