The Taliban have banned all demonstrations in Afghanistan under their new police law. The law, drafted by Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada, was published on Saturday, 31 Asad (August 22), by the group’s Ministry of Justice under the title “Police Law” (Qanun-e Shurta).
Under the new law, the Taliban have replaced the term “police” with “Shurta.” Article 50 of the law explicitly states: “Any form of demonstration within the territory of Afghanistan is prohibited.” The article provides no further explanation regarding the scope of the ban or the circumstances under which it is to be enforced.
The publication of the law comes as the Taliban have, over the past five years, repeatedly cracked down on protests across Afghanistan. The group has, on numerous occasions, detained protesters and imposed restrictions on the organization of public gatherings and demonstrations.
The new Shurta Law formally codifies the prohibition on demonstrations at a time when the Taliban, since returning to power in Afghanistan, have already imposed sweeping restrictions on protest activities and public assemblies.
Writer:Salima Aryaei
