In a recent development, Mullah Hibatullah Akhundzada, the leader of the Taliban, delivered a stark message via state television concerning the fate of women in Afghanistan under their rule. Akhundzada asserted that women found guilty of adultery would face brutal public punishments, including flogging and stoning to death. Furthermore, he emphasised the Taliban’s unwavering commitment to combating Western democracy and advocated for the strict imposition of Islamic Sharia law in the nation.
During his address, Akhundzada expressed disdain for the international community’s support for women’s rights, which he viewed as contradictory to the Taliban’s adherence to Sharia law. He questioned whether Afghan women desired rights aligned with Western ideals and criticised those who opposed Sharia and clerical opinions, attributing their resistance to the influence of Western democracy. Akhundzada reiterated the Taliban’s enduring stance against Western powers, affirming their determination to continue the fight for Sharia implementation in Afghanistan.
“Do women want the rights that Westerners are talking about? They are against Sharia and clerics’ opinions, the clerics who toppled Western democracy,” the head of the Taliban in Afghanistan said.
“I told the Mujahedin that we tell the Westerners that we fought against you for 20 years and we will fight 20 and even more years against you. It did not finish [when you left]. It does not mean we would now just sit and drink tea. We will bring Sharia to this land. It did finish after we took over Kabul. No, we will now bring Sharia into action,” the Telegraph reported, quoting Akhundzada.
Highlighting the severity of their stance, Akhundzada declared, “You say it’s a violation of women’s rights when we stone them to death. But we will soon implement the punishment for adultery. We will flog women in public. We will stone them to death in public. These are all against your democracy but we will continue doing it.” He juxtaposed the Taliban’s actions as defenders of God’s will against what he perceived as the opposing forces of evil.
This declaration comes amidst previous portrayals by some liberal media outlets of the Taliban’s rule in Afghanistan since September 2021 as comparatively moderate. However, Akhundzada’s unyielding stance underscores the ongoing challenges faced by Afghan women and raises concerns about the Taliban’s approach to human rights. The statement serves as a sobering reminder of the harsh realities experienced by many under Taliban governance, challenging optimistic narratives of change.
The military intervention led by the United States in Afghanistan in 2001 removed the Taliban regime from power, yet their presence endured. Subsequently, the Western-supported government, which had governed the nation for two decades, faltered, leading to the resurgence of Taliban rule.
Following their ascent to power in 2021, the Taliban initiated retaliatory assaults against individuals who collaborated with the American forces or the previous government.
Additionally, the Taliban reintroduced the stringent interpretation of Islamic law that characterised their governance from 1996 to 2001. During their previous rule, women were prohibited from pursuing education or employment outside their homes.
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