Taliban Dismisses 280 Policemen for Not Wearing Beards; Reports 13,000 Detained for Immoral Acts

Authorities Crack Down on Non-Compliance with Islamic Laws In a recent development from Afghanistan, the Taliban’s Ministry of Ethics has dismissed 280 policemen from the Security Fort for failing to maintain beards, underscoring the strict enforcement of Islamic laws since the Taliban’s return to power.

Thousands Detained for ‘Immoral Acts

The Ministry of Prevention of Evil and Propagation of Virtue has released its annual report, revealing that over 13,000 individuals were detained for ‘immoral acts’ last year. However, approximately half were released within 24 hours. The report did not specify the nature of the offenses or provide a breakdown of the detainees by gender.

Destruction of Musical Instruments and Clampdown on Media

According to Mohibullah Mokhlis, Director of Planning and Legislation, the authorities destroyed 21,328 musical instruments in the past year. Additionally, efforts have been made to prevent computer operators from distributing immoral films. Mokhlis also confirmed that 281 members of the security force were dismissed for not adhering to beard regulations.

Increased Restrictions on Women and Criticism from Human Rights Groups

Since the Taliban’s takeover in 2021, the Ministry of Women has been dissolved and its functions transferred to the Ministry of Morality. This transition has resulted in increased restrictions on women and significant curtailment of freedom of expression, drawing criticism from human rights organizations and the United Nations.

The UN Mission in Afghanistan has reported that officials from the Ministry of Morality have occasionally detained women for not adhering to their interpretation of Islamic dress codes. The Taliban, however, has dismissed these claims as baseless, asserting that the regulations are in line with Islamic law and Afghan customs.

Future Plans for Enforcing Islamic Dress Codes

The Ministry of Morality has not disclosed specific figures regarding the enforcement of dress codes or restrictions on women’s travel without male guardians. A new plan is reportedly being developed to ensure compliance with Islamic dress rules, under the supervision of the supreme spiritual leader based in Kandahar.