Wait, what? Taliban dismisses 280 security members for not growing beards

The ministry, which has faced global criticism for its repressive policies, particularly regarding women’s rights and freedom of expression, took over the former women’s ministry premises in Kabul following the Taliban's return to power in 2021.

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Image used for representative purpose only. (X/Weathermonitors)

New Delhi: The Taliban's morality ministry has taken stringent actions against its security force members and civilians, dismissing over 280 personnel for failing to grow beards and detaining more than 13,000 individuals for "immoral acts" over the past year, officials revealed on Tuesday. According to Mohibullah Mokhlis, Director of Planning and Legislation at the Ministry for the Prevention of Vice and Propagation of Virtue, 281 members of the Taliban's security forces were identified and dismissed for not adhering to the mandate of growing beards, which the ministry enforces in line with their strict interpretation of Islamic law. 

Widespread detentions for immoral acts

The ministry's annual operations update disclosed that approximately half of the 13,000 people detained were released within 24 hours. The report did not specify the nature of the alleged immoral acts or the gender of those detained. Mokhlis also stated that 21,328 musical instruments were destroyed over the past year as part of the ministry's crackdown on what it considers immoral and unethical activities. Additionally, thousands of computer operators were stopped from selling films deemed inappropriate in the market.

Human rights concerns

The ministry, which has faced global criticism for its repressive policies, particularly regarding women’s rights and freedom of expression, took over the former women’s ministry premises in Kabul following the Taliban's return to power in 2021. The United Nations and human rights organizations have condemned the ministry's actions, including the detention of women for not adhering to the Taliban's strict dress code.

Despite these criticisms, the Taliban has denied allegations of unjust detentions, asserting that their actions are in accordance with Islamic law and Afghan customs. The ministry did not disclose specific figures related to the enforcement of women's attire or restrictions on their travel without a male guardian, but Mokhlis indicated that a new plan, approved by the Taliban’s Supreme Leader, is in place to ensure compliance with Islamic dress codes.

Efforts to prevent violence against women

In addition to enforcing morality laws, the ministry claimed to have prevented over 200 cases of the sale of women and over 2,600 cases of violence against women, although these figures could not be independently verified.