Sharia rules to be enforced more strictly: 'Virtue Law' enters into force

In Afghanistan, the ruling Taliban has put into effect a "virtue law" designed to more strictly monitor Sharia rules, which are already overseen by the morality police. The Afghan Ministry of Justice shared the details of the law, which went into effect on July 31. It was announced that the law, which includes rules on veiling for women and the prohibition of homosexuality, was approved by Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada.

The law, which mandates that women cover their faces and bodies in environments where men who are not their direct relatives are present, also expands the powers of the morality police, who have been monitoring behavior based on Sharia law since the Taliban came to power in 2021. The law also requires men to wear trousers at least at knee length and to grow beards that are not too short. At the same time, under the law, the prohibitions on homosexual relations, adultery, and gambling, as well as the ban on producing or watching videos or images depicting living beings, will be monitored more strictly.

'CONTENT NOT COMPLIANT WITH SHARIA CANNOT BE BROADCAST'

Within the framework of the law, missed prayers and disobedience to parents can also be punished. According to the new law, the media will not be able to broadcast content that is not compliant with Sharia, nor will it be able to include topics that could be considered insulting to Muslims.

The morality police will first warn those who commit violations, and may then subject them to fines, detention for up to 3 days, and other sanctions. In case of repeat offenses, the judiciary will intervene.

'BEARDLESS SECURITY FORCES DISMISSED'

Previously, the Taliban administration in Afghanistan had dismissed security forces who refused to grow beards. In an annual report recently published by the Ministry for the Propagation of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice, it was reported that more than 13 thousand people were detained last year due to "immoral acts." While the report stated that about half of those detained were released after 24 hours, no information was provided regarding the charges against the detainees or their genders.