The Taliban government designated by many governments and human rights organisations as a violent extremist group responsible for widespread abuses has defended its sweeping ban on public protests, insisting the order aligns with Islamic law.
Demonstrations in Afghanistan have been rare since the Taliban seized power just over five years ago, but last month authorities introduced a rule stating that “all types of protests are banned.” Rights groups and international organisations condemned the move as a harsh attempt to silence dissent.
Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid told AFP that the ban “fully complies with Islamic law,” arguing that “protests don’t exist in Islamic law.” He said demonstrations are features of democracies or republics, not Islamic governance systems. Under their interpretation, he said, people should approach officials directly with concerns rather than gather publicly.
Mujahid claimed the ban would prevent “wasting time” and protect private property from damage comments that rights groups say ignore the Taliban’s record of suppressing basic freedoms.
Late last month, Human Rights Watch condemned the ban as “another step in the Taliban’s ruthless effort to suppress all dissent,” warning that the move further erodes civil liberties in a country where women, activists and journalists already face severe restrictions.
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