Afghanistan Taliban set narrow limits for Islamic scholars

The Taliban, who rule Afghanistan, have imposed strict limits on their religious scholars with a draconian decree. "The venerable scholars should strictly avoid raising issues that lead to controversy and debate," reads a new directive from Kabul.

The decree published on Friday is followed by seven further articles aimed at controlling public debates. The statement concludes with the words: "The Islamic Emirate does not allow anyone to create discord, division, strife and sedition and will take serious measures to prevent this."

The publication of a so-called virtue law, which among other things further restricts the rights of women, has recently sparked much criticism. Rosa Otunbayeva, head of the UN Assistance Mission (Unama), sharply criticized the new law on Wednesday in New York. In this context, Sima Bahous, Director of the UN Women organization, also pointed out the catastrophic effects on women's mental health. "It is not surprising that 90 percent of Afghan women and girls report that their mental health is poor or very poor," said Bahous.

So far, no country in the world has officially recognized the Islamist government. The group is internationally isolated in particular because of its disregard for human rights and especially women's rights. While the Taliban had promised to govern more moderately when they took power in August 2021, their rule has since developed into a consolidated authoritarian system.

SDA