Taliban Minister Says Promotion of Virtue Law Liberates People from Oppression

KABUL (Afghan Verified) -- Khalid Hanafi, Taliban minister of Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice, stated during a meeting with ministry officials that implementing the Promotion of Virtue Law and liberating people from oppression are fundamental responsibilities of his ministry.

Hanafi emphasized serious and equal handling of public complaints without favoritism, urging officials to address grievances directly. He called for coordination with emirate administrations, according to RTA.

The Promotion of Virtue Law, approved by Hibatullah Akhundzada and comprising 35 articles over 114 pages, imposes restrictions including considering women's voices as awrah, requiring full covering and avoidance of non-mahram men, and granting enforcers powers to punish, destroy property and imprison for up to three days, Amu TV reported.

Hanafi's deputy, Sheikh Sadiqullah, who oversees hearing complaints, said the Complaints Hearing Law promotes accountability, justice and public satisfaction with no exemptions, aligning with Afghan jihad goals, RTA reported.

Citizens have reported extensive restrictions on freedoms, particularly for women, including mandatory full covering and avoidance of non-mahram men, along with broad punitive powers for enforcers leading to humiliation and fear, according to Amu TV.