Afghanistan: Taliban justify ban on demonstrations

The Taliban government in Kabul has defended the ban on demonstrations now provided for under a law governing police operations published at the end of August. The text prohibits “any type of demonstration” across Afghan territory.

Zabihullah Mujahid, the government spokesperson, presented the measure as suited to the country’s situation and, in his view, consistent with Islamic law. He contrasted the Taliban political framework with democracies or republics, where protests, according to his statements, fall under different legal systems.

The government points to administrative channels

For the Taliban authorities, people wishing to express dissatisfaction can contact several departments. Zabihullah Mujahid argued that this approach would prevent the chaos associated with gatherings and address protests he described as “healthy”.

Demonstrations had already become very rare since the Taliban returned to power more than five years ago. The new provision, however, enshrines a general ban on protests in law.

NGOs denounce restrictions on dissent

Human Rights Watch said the ban marked a further step in the Taliban’s suppression of all dissent. Amnesty International, for its part, described the police law as a new infringement of human rights in Afghanistan, considering the ban on demonstrations particularly alarming.