Taliban Government Defends Protest Ban Citing Islamic Law, Drawing Condemnation from Rights Groups
The Taliban government has publicly defended its ban on protests in Afghanistan, asserting that the order is in full compliance with Islamic law. Zabihullah Mujahid, the Taliban government spokesman, stated that protests do not exist within Islamic law and are instead a feature of societies with different legal frameworks, such as democracies or republics. He argued that under the Islamic system, citizens should address concerns directly with the government rather than through demonstrations. The government also claims the ban will prevent time-wasting and property destruction. This defense comes after the Taliban introduced a rule last month banning "all types of protests," a move that has been widely criticized by international human rights organizations. Groups like Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International have condemned the ban as a ruthless effort to suppress dissent and a sweeping assault on human rights in Afghanistan. Despite the ban, some demonstrations have occurred, with reports of security ... 
