Afghanistan’s Taliban morality ministry announced on Monday its intention to enforce a new law prohibiting news media from publishing images of all living beings. Journalists were informed that this regulation will be implemented gradually across the country.
This development follows the Taliban’s recent introduction of legislation formalizing their strict interpretations of Islamic law, which have been in effect since the group regained power in 2021. Saiful Islam Khyber, spokesman for the Ministry for the Propagation of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice (PVPV), stated that the law would apply nationwide, emphasizing that the approach to enforcement would involve persuasion rather than coercion. He explained that officials aim to educate the public on the belief that images of living things contradict Islamic principles.
Khyber noted that the law includes several stipulations for media outlets, such as prohibiting the publication of images of living beings and forbidding any mockery or humiliation of Islam. While aspects of this law have not yet been strictly enforced, Khyber mentioned that efforts to implement it are underway in various provinces, including the southern stronghold of Kandahar, Helmand, and northern Takhar.
However, journalists in Kandahar reported that they have not yet received any official notifications regarding the law or faced restrictions from the morality police regarding their photography practices. In central Ghazni province, local journalists were summoned by PVPV officials, who advised them to gradually adapt to the new regulations by taking photos from a distance and limiting their coverage of events.
Historically, the Taliban had imposed similar restrictions on media during their previous rule from 1996 to 2001, where television and images of living beings were banned. Following the Taliban’s takeover, the number of media professionals in Afghanistan has decreased significantly, with only 5,100 remaining
