Amid fears of a Taliban resurgence in Afghanistan, concerns mount over the potential erosion of women’s rights, echoing a grim past. Mullah Hibatullah Akhundzada, Taliban’s leader, recently warned of severe punishments, including public floggings and stonings for adultery, in a broadcasted voice message.
“We will flog and publicly stone women for adultery. You may view it as a violation of women’s rights, but I represent Allah, not your democratic principles,” Akhundzada asserted, underscoring the Taliban’s uncompromising stance against Western influences.
Justifying these measures as part of their ongoing struggle, Akhundzada emphasized that the Taliban’s work had only just begun, despite their takeover of Kabul. This resolute stance indicates a willingness to enforce draconian policies, rejecting any semblance of accountability for their actions.
Sahar Fetrat, an Afghan researcher at Human Rights Watch, expressed alarm, noting the Taliban’s increasing audacity in openly advocating for such brutal practices. She warned of the consequences of unchecked extremism, stressing the urgent need for intervention to prevent further atrocities.
Following the US-led invasion in 2001, the Taliban was ousted from power, only to resurge in 2021, capitalizing on vulnerabilities within the Afghan government and society. Their return to power heralded the reinstatement of strict Islamic law, reminiscent of their oppressive rule from 1996 to 2001, characterized by the denial of women’s rights to education and employment.
The resurgence of the Taliban poses a grave threat to the progress made in advancing women’s rights in Afghanistan. As international scrutiny intensifies, there’s a pressing need for concerted efforts to prevent a regression into the dark days of Taliban rule. The world watches with apprehension as Afghan women once again face the specter of oppression under the Taliban’s grip.
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