The Taliban, in power since August, put up posters in Kabul shops on Friday stating that women “must” wear the hijab, along with a photo of a burqa. A new sign of the hardening of the regime despite the initial promises. The posters were published by the Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice, much feared during the first Taliban regime (1996-2001), and reinstated by the Islamists after their seizure of power.
“These posters were published by the ministry but that does not mean that if a woman does not follow them, she will be punished or beaten”, tried to reassure a spokesman for the ministry on Friday, confirming to be at the origin of initiative, while minimizing its scope. “It’s just an encouragement to follow Sharia law for Muslim women. Even if a woman covers herself with a simple veil, that is fine too. In general, these posters are an encouragement. “
Series of measures aimed at imposing a rigorous vision of Islam
All Afghan women were already covering themselves with at least one headscarf before the Taliban returned to power. And many of them wore the burqa, including in areas controlled by the previous government backed by the United States.
Since their return to power, the Taliban, who seek to be recognized by the international community, say they are more moderate than during their first reign but these posters are added to a series of measures aimed at imposing their rigorous vision of Islam: ban for women to travel alone or beheading of mannequins in stores in the region of Hérat, in the west of the country.