Taliban Defends Protest Ban as Compliant with Islamic Law

The Taliban government has staunchly defended its recent ban on protests, arguing that the legislation aligns with Islamic law. Spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid stated during a press conference that, according to Islamic principles, protests are nonexistent.

Since the Taliban regained power over five years ago, public demonstrations have been scarce, and the new prohibition, introduced last month, has sparked significant backlash from human rights organizations. Mujahid emphasized that under the Islamic system, citizens should voice their concerns directly to the government rather than resort to protests, which he claims are features of democratic societies.

Critics, including Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International, have condemned the ban as a harsh measure designed to stifle dissent and further undermine human rights in Afghanistan. They described it as one of the most troubling aspects of the Taliban's recent legal changes. Past protests have been met with violence, exemplified by a June incident where security forces reportedly opened fire on a women’s rights demonstration in Herat, resulting in fatalities.

Source: www.thehindu.com