EU Special Representative: Taliban Criminal Principles Institutionalize Social Inequality in Afghanistan

KABUL — Gilles Bertrand, the European Union special representative for Afghanistan, stated that the Taliban courts' criminal principles document is a complex one that institutionalizes social inequality in the country.

In an exclusive interview with Hasht-e Subh on Tuesday, Bertrand said the document divides citizens into four specific categories, placing women and individuals with "limited legal capacity" at the lowest level. He noted that the principles are ambiguous in some sections while elevating religious scholars to the highest level, rendering them almost unaccountable to any authority.

Bertrand added that the Taliban have normalized family violence through this document and regard followers of non-Hanafi sects as incorrect Muslims. He pointed out that many contemporary issues, such as organized crime and financial crimes, are overlooked, with the primary focus on mechanisms for social control.

The EU representative warned that the principles grant broad powers to Taliban courts, which could easily be abused and raise serious human rights concerns.