Taliban Announces Ban on Images of Living Beings in Afghanistan
In a significant move, Afghanistan's Taliban government has declared a ban on media outlets publishing images of living beings. This announcement was made on Monday, with officials stating that journalists in various provinces have already been informed about the gradual implementation of this controversial measure. Saiful Islam Khyber, the spokesman for the Ministry of Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice, emphasized that the law is applicable throughout Afghanistan and will be enforced progressively. He justified the ban by claiming that images of living beings contradict Islamic law.
New Media Regulations Under Taliban Rule
The Taliban's decision follows a broader legislative initiative wherein a 35-article law was introduced over the summer aimed at promoting virtue and preventing vice, in line with the sharia (Islamic law) that the group has reinstated since regaining power in 2021. This law includes multiple restrictions on the media, specifically targeting the publication of images of living beings, as well as any content deemed hostile to sharia or that could humiliate Muslims. Despite these regulations, the Taliban's enforcement remains inconsistent, as they continue to share photographs of individuals on social media platforms.
Historical Context of Media Restrictions
This latest ban echoes the Taliban's previous rule from 1996 to 2001, during which similar restrictions were imposed, including a prohibition on images of living beings. The current government's move raises concerns about freedom of expression and the role of media in Afghanistan, as the country grapples with the implications of strict interpretations of Islamic law on daily life and journalism.
