- The Taliban restricts women from publicly expressing themselves through singing and reading.
In Afghanistan, the Taliban regime has forbidden women from vocalizing publicly or reciting texts, and they've issued an order requiring females to be completely cloaked in the presence of unconnected males. This is an aspect of their freshly instituted "Morality Law," which was signed into effect by the Chief Leader of the fanatical Islamists, Hibatullah Akhundzada, as per the Ministry of Justice.
The legislation intends to implant rigid protocols, as enforced by their self-appointed "Morality Police." Women are required to conceal their faces and bodies in the presence of non-related men. Since a woman's voice is deemed intimate, activities like singing aloud, boisterous reading, or public recitation are likewise disallowed. The law also regulates men's beard lengths and trouser lengths.
Homosexuality and music are amongst the matters that have been outlawed. Additionally, other restrictions include the prohibition of homosexuality and extramarital relations for both males and females. These guidelines weren't novel; they were initially set as suggestions by the Morality Ministry. However, now, the Ministry of Justice has formalized these suggestions and delegated the enforcement task to the Morality Ministry. Observers remain cautious about how stringently these regulations will be implemented.
Upon reclaiming power in August 2021, the Taliban expressed intentions for a less militant form of administration. However, their present government demonstrates extreme authoritarian behavior. Internationally, the Taliban encounter significant criticism, particularly regarding their extreme suppression of women's liberties.
Baerbock: "Over 90 Pages of Misogynistic Content"
Germany has issued severe critiques in response. Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock expressed her opinions on the X platform, stating that the Morality Law embodies "over 90 pages of misogynistic content." She claimed that these human-rights restrictive rules "suppress half the nation." Baerbock further declared that this Morality Law indisputably showcases that there can be no cooperative agreements with radical Islamists.
Women are not allowed to engage in activities that involve the public use of their voices, such as singing aloud or boisterous reading, due to the Taliban's belief that a woman's voice is intimate. Other restrictive measures include the banning of homosexuality and extramarital relations for both males and females, which were initially suggested by the Morality Ministry and have now been formally implemented and enforced by the same ministry.
