The Taliban government in Afghanistan responded to international criticism of recently codified morality rules by saying that rejecting legislation without an understanding of Islamic law demonstrated “arrogance.”
Women must cover themselves completely and not raise their voices in public, among other rules restricting women’s movements and behaviour, according to a 35-article law announced by the Justice Ministry on Wednesday.
The law imposes a wide range of provisions, including rules on men’s clothing and attendance at prayers, as well as bans on possession of photographs of living beings, homosexuality, animal fighting, playing music in public places, and non-Muslim holidays.
However, the United Nations (UN), human rights groups, and Afghans expressed concern that the legislation would lead to stricter enforcement of lifestyle and behavioural rules. The law is “firmly rooted in Islamic teachings” that should be respected and understood, chief government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid stated on Monday night.
To reject these laws without such understanding is, in our view, an expression of arrogance.
The European Union declared on Monday that it was “appalled” by the decree, which “confirms and extends severe restrictions on the lives of Afghans.” EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said:
This latest decision is another serious blow undermining the rights of Afghan women and girls, which we cannot tolerate.
Borrell called on the Taliban to put an end to such “systematic abuses against Afghan women and girls.” He also warned that such restrictions could amount to gender-based persecution, a crime against humanity under the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC).
However, Mujahid dismissed concerns about compliance with the law.
No rights will be violated, and no individual will be subjected to injustice.
Taliban rule is not recognised by any state, but has recently taken diplomatic steps, including participation in UN-coordinated talks on Afghanistan in Qatar.
