Yearly Summary of the Department of Ethical Standards - The Taliban dismisses 281 security personnel due to lack of facial hair compliance
Following their seizure of power in August 2021, the Taliban's Ministry of Vice and Virtue assumed control of the former Ministry of Women's Affairs headquarters in Kabul. The aftermath has been grim for women's rights: school prohibitions, no higher education opportunities, and the UN in Afghanistan has reported instances of ministry officers apprehending women for not adhering to their interpretation of Islamic attire. However, the consequences went beyond just women.
The Taliban's Ministry of Vice and Virtue fired 281 security personnel for refusing to grow beards. Furthermore, over 13,000 individuals were apprehended in Afghanistan last year for engaging in "immoral activities," as per a Kabul announcement by the ministry. The department's annual report revealed that around half of these individuals were released within 24 hours. Regrettably, the specific offenses or the gender of the detainees were not disclosed.
The Taliban's moral enforcers become isolated
Musicians entertaining at festivities is a cherished tradition in Afghan culture. Regrettably, this practice is at odds with the Taliban's perspectives. At a press conference, Mohibullah Mochlis, the director of planning and legislation at the ministry, revealed that the Taliban destroyed over 21,328 musical instruments in the previous year as a result of this misalignment.
Currently, the Taliban administration has banned the UN Special Rapporteur on the human rights situation in Afghanistan, Richard Bennett, from entering the country. Bennett was informed of this decision months ago, being told that he is not permitted to return to Afghanistan. Insider sources suggest that the Taliban government cited a personal issue with Bennett, rather than an issue with observing and reporting on the human rights situation.
The Taliban's strict moral enforcement policies have led to criticism from other international communities. Many countries have expressed concerns about the Taliban's treatment of certain segments of its population and its disregard for human rights.
Despite facing criticism from other nations, the Taliban has remained firm in its implementation of its moral code, citing their interpretation of Islamic law as justification for their actions.
