The Taliban’s morality ministry in Afghanistan has announced its intention to enforce a law that prohibits news media from publishing images of any living beings, with journalists being informed that the enforcement of this rule will occur gradually.
“This law is applicable throughout Afghanistan… and it will be implemented step by step,” stated Saiful Islam Khyber, spokesman for the Ministry for the Propagation of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice, explaining that they will aim to convince people that images of living beings are contrary to Islamic law.
Recently, the Taliban government’s judiciary revealed new legislation that formalizes their strict interpretations of Islamic law, which has been imposed by the authorities since they regained power in 2021.
The legislation outlines multiple regulations for news media, including the prohibition of publishing images of all living beings and instructing outlets to avoid mocking or humiliating Islam, as well as refraining from contradicting Islamic law.
During their earlier regime from 1996 to 2001, television and images of living beings were banned nationwide, but a similar decree has not yet been widely enforced since the Taliban’s return to power.
