Since coming to power, the Taliban have shown that it will not tolerate protest against its regime, with brutal crackdowns on demonstrations in Herat on Tuesday having been suppressed by gunfire, leaving two dead. Now, the group has issued its first decree by its new interior minister, Sirajudding Haqqani, which warns of “severe legal consequences” for those who protest without permission.
Demonstrations must have official approval both for the gathering and for the slogans they will use. Earlier this week, women had protested against the Taliban in Kabul with slogans like “Respect our human rights”. Another protest, in Kabul, was against Pakistan’s alleged involvement in the Taliban’s takeover of Panjshir—which was the last bastion of resistance towards it in the country—and saw slogans like “Death to Pakistan” and “Long live the resistance” being chanted. That protest was also met with gunfire, and several Afghan journalists who were covering it were arrested.
Thursday’s edict by Haqqani—who is wanted by the US on terrorism charges—slams the door on hopes that the Taliban would allow democratic protest. “It is announced to all citizens not to attempt at the present time to hold any demonstrations under any name whatsoever,” the statement read.
Criticism against the Taliban’s regime has been growing after it formed an all-male interim government of veteran Taliban members despite claims that it would create an “inclusive” government. The group recently said it would not allow women to play sports—earlier it had said women would be accorded all the rights due to them under Shariah law.
On Thursday, the group took over the Norwegian embassy in Kabul. Norway’s ambassador to Iran, Sigvald Hauge, tweeted saying the group said they would return to embassy to Norway later. He commented “but first wine bottles are to be smashed and childrens’ books destroyed. Guns apparently less dangerous”.
