400 loudspeakers in Kabul now, as Taliban urges worshippers to offer more prayers

The Taliban’s religious enforcers claimed that hundreds of loudspeakers had been put in Kabul, the country’s capital, to entice worshipers to attend prayers. Hundreds of vacant stores and other inactive structures have been transformed into mosques, according to the ministry for the promotion of virtue and the prevention of vice, so that everyone can participate in communal prayer.

“During the previous government, some of the loudspeakers were removed and people were not able to listen to the Azan (call to prayer),” the ministry said adding that 400 loudspeakers had been installed in different parts of Kabul “so the people could listen to the Azan at the same time”.

Since the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan in August of last year, they have continued to impose harsh laws and restrictions in accordance with Islamic sharia law, which has virtually excluded women from public life.

Hibatullah Akhundzada, the supreme commander, commanded judges earlier this month to strictly uphold Islamic law, which calls for public executions, stonings and floggings, as well as the amputation of limbs for thieves.

The vice ministry reportedly forced shops in several areas of Kabul to close for Friday prayers, according to local media.