Afghanistan's Taliban morality ministry has announced a law banning news media from publishing images of all living things, with gradual implementation planned across the country.

Raw Story

The Ministry for the Propagation of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice spokesman, Saiful Islam Khyber, stated that officials will convince people that "these things are really contrary to sharia (law)."

Daily Mail

This comes after the Taliban published its vice and virtue laws in August, Article 17 of which bans the publication of images of living beings.

Khyber said government media in Takhar, Maidan Wardak, and Kandahar have been directed not to air or display pictures of anything with a soul.

The Washington Post

Local journalists in Ghazni have reportedly been summoned and advised to take photos from further away and film fewer events "to get in the habit."

NDTV

Since the Taliban's return to power in 2021, the number of media employees has allegedly dropped from 8.4K to 5.1K.

Express.co.uk

The Ministry for the Propagation of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice (PVPV) spokesman, Saiful Islam Khyber, stated that officials will work to persuade people that images of living things are against Islamic law.

Daily Mail #5015

Raw Story #2780

The new law includes rules for news media, prohibiting the publication of images of living things and ordering outlets not to mock or humiliate Islam or contradict Islamic law.

Local journalists in various provinces, including Ghazni and Maidan Wardak, have been summoned and advised to adapt their practices, such as taking photos from further away and filming fewer events.

Since the Taliban's return to power in 2021, Afghanistan's media landscape has seen a significant decline, with the number of media employees dropping from 8,400 to 5,100, including only 560 women.

The photography ban is part of the Taliban's strict interpretation of Islamic law, which has also led to restrictions on women's rights, including bans on sports participation and limited access to education beyond primary school.

The ban on photographs of living things is a severe restriction on press freedom and artistic expression. It further limits the already dwindling media landscape in Afghanistan and disproportionately affects women in the industry. This move is part of a broader pattern of oppressive measures that violate human rights and hinder progress.

Taliban ban photographs of 'all living things' in Afghanistan, claiming it is forbidden under Islamic law

Taliban Bans Photos of Living Things in Afghanistan

Media

Afghanistan

Freedom of press

The photography ban is a must to align media practices with Islamic law and preserve cultural values. Gradual implementation allows for a smooth transition and ensures compliance without coercion. This approach demonstrates the Taliban's commitment to upholding religious principles while maintaining societal order.

Tolonews

Afghanistan 19043

The ban on photographs of living things severely restricts press freedom and artistic expression. It further limits the already dwindling media landscape in Afghanistan and disproportionately affects women in the industry. This move is part of a broader pattern of oppressive measures that violate human rights and hinder progress.

Independent

Taliban media forced to stop showing images of ‘living beings’ under strict new laws

There's a 10% chance that the US will recognize the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan before 2030, according to the Metaculus prediction community.

Afghanistan: Taliban Ban Photos of Living Things

Afghanistan: Taliban BansBan Photos of Living Things in Afghanistan

The Spin

Metaculus Prediction

Sign Up for Our Free Newsletters
Sign Up for Our Free Newsletters

Afghanistan: Taliban Ban Photos of Living Things

Afghanistan: Taliban BansBan Photos of Living Things in Afghanistan

The Spin

Metaculus Prediction

Sign Up for Our Free NewslettersSign Up for Our Free Newsletters

Sign Up for Our Free Newsletters
Sign Up for Our Free Newsletters