Rights Groups Concerned Over New Taliban Criminal Code

KABUL — Human rights organizations have expressed serious concerns over a newly introduced criminal code issued by Afghanistan’s Taliban government earlier this month, warning that the legislation institutionalizes discrimination and undermines basic rights. According to the new laws, Afghan society has been divided into four distinct categories, with different punishments prescribed for the same offense depending on the individual’s classification. Rights groups allege that one category—comprising religious scholars—has effectively been placed above the law and exempted from legal accountability. The new criminal code has also drawn sharp criticism for provisions relating to women. Under the law, husbands are permitted to physically discipline their wives. While the law stipulates that husbands may face up to 15 days in prison if such actions result in injury, rights groups argue that the provision legitimizes domestic violence. In addition, the law states that women who visit a relative’s home without their husband’s permission may be sentenced to three months’ imprisonment. The Taliban government released the revised criminal code in early January. Human rights organizations have warned that the legislation further entrenches gender-based discrimination and deepens concerns about equality before the law under Taliban rule.