Violence against women protesting Taliban laws

The Taliban’s “vice and virtue” law aims to suppress women’s voices and visibility in public life, mandating that they cover their bodies and faces completely and forbidding them from speaking or singing aloud. Women who defy these laws face severe punishments, including beatings, torture, and even death. Reports indicate that women protesters have been subjected to brutal treatment, such as electric shocks and sexual violence while in detention. The Taliban’s dissolution of the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission has further eroded any hope for justice or recourse for these women, as the mechanisms for reporting abuses have been dismantled.

Enforced Silence and Control

The law explicitly states that women must “hide their voice, face, and body,” effectively silencing them in public spaces. This extreme measure not only restricts their ability to express themselves but also reinforces the Taliban’s control over women’s rights and freedoms.

Brutal Punishments

Punishments for protesting against the Taliban’s laws are severe and include torture, rape, and death. Women who have protested have reported horrific experiences, including being beaten and sexually assaulted in custody. This climate of fear serves to deter further dissent and maintains the Taliban’s oppressive regime.

Impact on Women’s Rights

The Taliban’s return to power has resulted in the rollback of nearly two decades of advancements in women’s rights in Afghanistan. The “vice and virtue” law is a continuation of this trend, as it systematically undermines the political, civil, and human rights of women while justifying violence against them.