Slavery legalized in Afghanistan, education ban imposed on girls! 'Death' penalty for dissidents

The Taliban administration in Afghanistan has released a comprehensive text regarding the new penal procedures to be implemented in the country. The regulations reveal that criminal law will be applied in different forms based on religious identity, sect, gender, and social status.

SLAVERY AND THE AUTHORITY OF THE "MASTER"

One of the most striking sections of the text concerns provisions on slavery. Slavery is explicitly included as part of the penal code, and the terms "master" and "slave" are used throughout the text. There are articles stating that the authority to punish a slave is left to their "master."

DIVISION OF SOCIETY INTO FOUR CLASSES

The Taliban defines the country's population into four social classes: religious scholars, the elite, the middle class, and the lower class. According to the regulation, the type and severity of the punishment to be applied for a crime will be determined based on the individual's status. While only a warning is stipulated for those defined as "religious scholars," a summons to court and a warning are specified for the elite, and imprisonment for the middle class. For the lower class, it is stated that corporal punishment may be applied in addition to imprisonment.

The new penal provisions grant Taliban courts the authority to issue death sentences for those who are opponents and critics of the judicial bodies. The text claims that individuals defined as "insurgents" will cause harm to the public and that this harm cannot be remedied without killing them. Furthermore, imprisonment is stipulated for those who do not report dissidents to the authorities. In this context, it is emphasized that all citizens must report anti-Taliban activities.

AUTHORITY FOR CITIZENS TO 'PUNISH'

Among the regulations is a clause that allows citizens to directly punish individuals if they witness them committing a "sin."

EDUCATION OF GIRLS BANNED

The new laws also include bans on the education of girls. Additionally, dancing and watching those who dance are prohibited, and the demolition of areas defined as "places of immorality" is mandated. The scope of these places is not clearly defined.

The text contains articles stating that violence is permitted provided it does not lead to broken bones or tearing of the skin. While it is stated that child abuse and violence against children may go unpunished, there is a provision regarding a father's ability to punish his 10-year-old son for behaviors such as neglecting prayer. The presence of a man and a woman who are not related is also defined as a crime.

According to the regulation, which is based on the Hanafi school of thought, the Taliban characterizes those who abandon their sect as infidels and states that these individuals will face imprisonment.

While assessments are being made that the regulation contradicts international human rights standards, fundamental freedoms, and fair trial principles, the Taliban continues to implement such laws in Afghanistan, where it took control following the US withdrawal from the country in 2021.

News Source: 12punto